History of Chad

Central Africa includes the landlocked country of Chad. Its long and complex past stretches thousands of years, with various kingdoms and empires emerging and falling beneath its borders.

Antiquity

Early known occupants of Chad were migratory tribes who hunted and gathered their food from the ground. These tribes are thought to have moved from the east about 7000 BC. Chad founded the Kanem-Bornu Kingdom around 2000 BC. Tucked along Lake Chad's banks, this kingdom's prime location enabled it to flourish as a major commercial hub.

Islamic impact

Arab traders brought Islam to Chad in the eighth century, and it soon proliferated over the area. For numerous centuries, the Kanem-Bornu Kingdom developed into a significant Islamic centre. Internal strife and invasions from surrounding powers brought about the fall of the kingdom of Kanem-Bornu in the 14th century this resulted in the emergence in southern Chad a strong Bagirmi Kingdom.

European Colonization

Late 19th-century European countries began colonising Africa. Supposed by France in 1900, Chad came under French Equatorial Africa. Chad changed significantly during this period as French officials instituted contemporary infrastructure and fresh forms of governance. 

French colonialism (1900–1960)

Local population persecution and exploitation defined the French colonial era in Chad. France benefited from the resources of the nation; hence, forced labour was employed to create additional infrastructure, such as railroads. Chad gained meagre autonomy when it became an overseas territory of the French Union in 1946. But Chad did not at last acquire its freedom from France until 1960.

Tombalbaye rule (1960–1979)

Following freedom, François Tombalbaye was Chad's first president. His authoritarianism and corruption defined his leadership and caused general community unhappiness. Ethnic and religious issues drove a civil war between northern and southern groups that started in 1965. Thousands of people died during the numerous years of fighting.

Chad's first civil war (1979–1987)

Hissène Habré oversaw a military takeover of Tombalbaye in 1979. But breaches of human rights and corruption also beset his rule. Rising in 1982, another rebel group known as the National Front for the Salvation of Chad (FNT) launched an effective campaign against Habré's government. This started the first civil war Chad had, running until 1987.

Dictatorship of Habré (1987–1990) 

Widespread human rights abuses involving torture and the murder of political rivals defined Habré's government. He was thrown out in a coup headed by Idriss Déby in 1990.

Déby reign (1990–now)

Déby has kept a tight hold on the nation since assuming authority and has seen many uprisings and attempts at a government coup. He still holds authority today, though. Political unrest, poverty, and continuous disputes with surrounding nations still present difficulties for Chad. 

Geography and Culture

Comprising around two hundred ethnic groups and languages, Chad is a diverse country. Its topography is defined by the northern Sahara Desert, the central Sahel area, and the lush lowlands in the south. Its culture is much shaped by the indigenous practices of the country as well as Islamic and French colonial legacies.

Wildlife

Among other animals, Chad hosts lions, elephants, giraffes, and numerous kinds of antelopes. But years of poaching and civil conflict have degraded the nation's animal count. The government and environmental organizations are working to safeguard Chad's species and natural environment.

Demographics

About sixteen million people call Chad home, the majority of whom reside in rural areas. Arabic and French are the official languages, even if various indigenous languages are spoken all over the nation. Mostly Muslims, the populace also follows traditional indigenous faiths and Christianity.

 Ethnic groups

In Chad, Sara is the largest ethnic group; Arab and Kanuri follow. Among other important groups are the Bulala, Maba, and Daza.

Economy

With cotton as the main export, Chad's economy mostly depends on agriculture. Although the nation boasts large oil reserves as well, mismanagement and corruption have dogged this sector. Poverty also remains a major issue for Chadians since more than 60% of them live below the poverty line.  

Languages

Chad boasts about 120 indigenous languages; Sara is the most widely used one. The official languages are French and Arabic; yet, Chadian Arabic is also rather common among the inhabitants. Particularly via educational initiatives, attempts have been undertaken to support and protect indigenous languages in Chad. 

Religion

With about half of Chadians practising Sunni Islam, Islam is the most common religion there. Additionally, really large followings are Christianity and traditional indigenous faiths. Usually, religious tolerance is followed in Chad; Muslims and Christians live side by side in harmony. Conflicts in the past have resulted from disagreements among many religious groups, though.

Education

With only roughly thirty percent of Chadians literate, education in the country is not generally easily available. Particularly in rural areas, the nation suffers from issues including a dearth of schools and skilled teachers. Initiatives aiming at bettering access to education include more government funding for the sector and collaborations with foreign agencies. More has to be done, though, to guarantee every child in Chad has access to high-quality education. 

Politics and Government

Chad is a presidential republic running a multi-party system. Among the great powers the president possesses are the power to dissolve parliament and name government personnel. The country has battled corruption, authoritarianism, and breaches of human rights under many governments over its past. Still, recent years have also witnessed efforts towards democratic reforms and more transparency.

Foreign relations 

Among numerous nations, Chad maintains close relations with China, the United States, and France. It also falls within the purview of numerous foreign organisations, notably the African Union and the UN. The nation has engaged in regional strife, mostly with regard to neighbours Sudan and Libya. To handle problems, including poverty and food insecurity, major help has also been obtained from foreign governments and organisations.

Military

The Army, Air Force, and Gendarmerie together comprise the Chadian Armed Forces. With regular coups and rebellions spearheaded by military leaders, the military has been rather important in the history of the nation. Along with other peacekeeping operations in Mali and the Central African Republic, Chad has also participated in many other operations in surrounding nations.  

Administrative divisions

There are 23 regions in Chad, further split into departments and sub-prefectures. Every area features a governor nominated by the federal government. N'Djamena, the capital of the nation, also functions as a separate region. 

Transport

Chad has a rather underdeveloped transport system; most of its roads are unpaved and in poor condition. N'Djamena hosts the main international airport for the nation; smaller airports also exist in major cities. For citizens of the nation as well as products, the Chari River is a vital means of mobility. For many of Chad's rural towns and villages, nevertheless, access to dependable transit still presents a difficulty.

Energy

Though most of the population still lacks access to power, Chad boasts large oil reserves. Though this is still a gradual process, the government is aiming at raising energy output and enhancing distribution systems. 

Telecommunications   

Chad has advanced the size of its telecoms sector in recent times. Usage of mobile phones has skyrocketed; the nation now boasts 3G and 4G networks as well. For many Chadians, meanwhile, internet connection is still limited and costly. 

Healthcare

In terms of healthcare, Chad has great difficulties since educated doctors and facilities are in short supply. Furthermore, common in the nation are rather high incidences of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and malaria. Although the government and foreign groups have worked to increase access to healthcare, more resources are required to fairly handle these problems.

Cuisine

Different ethnic and cultural groups shape Chadian cuisine. Often eaten with a sauce or stew made with vegetables and/or meat, basic foods include millet, sorghum, and rice. Thought regarded as Chad's national drink, tea is often scented with herbs like mint and ginger. Other widely drunk beverages are palm wine and fruit juices. 

Culture 

Chadian culture blends characteristics of surrounding countries with historical practices. Celebrations and celebrations rely largely on music and dance; occasionally, they also include drums and other traditional instruments. Furthermore, the country enjoys a significant richness of oral history passed on throughout the years. Many communities still work in age-old crafts such as woodcarving, weaving, and pottery making.

Music

Different and reflecting the cultural influences of Chad is the music from the nation. Folk music often features traditional instruments, including the kinni, a stringed instrument fashioned from a calabash gourd. More contemporary styles, such as hip-hop and Afro-pop, have also become somewhat well-known recently. 

Literature

With many authors and poets finding respect both domestically and abroad, Chad boasts a developing literary landscape. Still, many Chadians have restricted access to books and literature because of high rates of illiteracy and low finances. Mobile libraries are one of the projects aiming at raising access to books and literacy. 

Media and cinema

There is little journalistic freedom, and much of the media in Chad is under official control. Still, the country boasts some independent media and radio stations. As films like "A Screaming Man" and "GriGris" land honours at overseas film festivals, Canadian films have attracted increased notice. 

Sports 

Football (soccer) is the most widely used sport in Chad, even when the national team is playing abroad. Additional sports, such as volleyball and basketball, are also becoming rather popular. For many Chadians, nevertheless, insufficient resources and infrastructure mean low levels of involvement in structured sports. Through projects like community sports leagues, efforts are being made to increase access to sports facilities and advance a better lifestyle.