Capital: N'Djamena
Location:
Central Africa, south of Libya (slightly more than three times the size of California)
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
U.S. citizens living in or visiting Chad are urged to register at the U.S. Embassy immediately upon arrival. The Embassy can provide updated information on travel and security in Chad and strongly recommends that travelers contact the Embassy prior to travel outside N’Djamena. The U.S. Embassy is located in N’Djamena on Avenue Felix Ebque; mailing address is B.P. 413. Telephone: (235) 51-62-11, 51-70-09, 51-77-59, 51-90-52, 51-92-18 and 51-92-33. Fax: (235) 51-56-54.
Background:
Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of ethnic warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually suppressed or came to terms with most political-military groups, settled a territorial dispute with Libya on terms favorable to Chad, drafted a democratic constitution, and held multiparty presidential and National Assembly elections in 1996 and 1997 respectively. In 1998 a new rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which continued to escalate throughout 2000. Despite movement toward democratic reform, power remains in the hands of a northern ethnic oligarchy.
Ethnic Groups:
Muslims, commonly referred to as "northerners" or "gorane" (Arabs, Toubou, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Kanembou, Baguirmi, Boulala, Zaghawa, and Maba); non-Muslims, commonly referred to as "southerners" (Sara, Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye, Moundang, Moussei, Massa) including nonindigenous 150,000 (of whom 1,000 are French)
note: ethnicity and regional background more commonly used to identify Chadians than religious affiliation
Language:
French (official), Arabic (official), Sara and Sango (in south), more than 100 different languages and dialects
Currency:
XAF
Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 699.21 (January 2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.70 (1999), 589.95 (1998), 583.67 (1997), 511.55 (1996); note - from 1 January 1999, the XAF is pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 XAF per euro
Climate:
Tropical in south, desert in north
Population:
8,707,078 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Muslim 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs (mostly animism) 25%
Medical:
Medical facilities are extremely limited in Chad. Medicines are in short supply or unavailable, including many over-the-counter preparations sold in the U.S. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Often cash payments must be made directly to doctors and hospitals in advance of treatment.
Safety:
The potential for conflict between armed insurgents and government security forces is largely confined to the Tibesti region of Chad’s northwest; travel to the region poses a security risk to foreigners. Chad’s northern provinces bordering Libya remain heavily landmined. Travel to this area is extremely dangerous and requires permission from the Chadian government. Visitors who are not in possession of a valid passport and a visa may experience difficulties at police roadblocks or during other checks. Overland travel after dark is discouraged owing to the activity of highway bandits. In April 1998, the Peace Corps suspended its operations in Chad, citing security concerns.
U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all time
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Chad is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Rural Road Conditions /Maintenance:
Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Non-existent
Roads are in poor condition and dangerous. No emergency services exist. Travelers on roads in all areas of the country are subject to attack by armed bandits. During the summer rainy season (mid-June to mid-September) many roads become impassable or are restricted by rain barriers.
