History of Chad

The landlocked nation of Chad is part of Central Africa. With many kingdoms and empires rising and falling under its boundaries, its extensive and convoluted past spans thousands of years.

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 some 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 center. 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

European nations started colonizing Africa at the late 19th century. In 1900 France took seized Chad and included it into 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 labor was employed to create additional infrastructure such 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 to start 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. Another rebel group called the National Front for the Salvation of Chad (FNT) arose in 1982 and started a successful attack against Habré's administration. This set off the first civil war in Chad, raging until 1987.

Dictatorship of Habré (1987–1990) 

Widespread human rights abuses involving torture and 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 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 more than 200 ethnic groups and languages, Chad is a varied nation. The Sahara Desert in the north, the Sahel area in the middle, and the rich lowlands in the south define its terrain. The indigenous customs of the nation, as well as Islamic and French colonial legacy, greatly shape its culture. 

Wildlife

Among other species, lions, elephants, giraffes, and many varieties of antelope call Chad home. 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

With a population of more than 16 million, most Chadians live in rural areas. Though there are several indigenous languages spoken throughout the nation, the official languages are French and Arabic. Mostly Muslims, the populace also follows traditional indigenous faiths and Christianity.

 Ethnic groups

Sara is the biggest ethnic group in Chad; Arab and Kanubi 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 under 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 practicing 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 with 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 those 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 

Chad maintains close ties to China, the United States, and France among many countries. It also belongs to several international agencies including the United Nations and the African Union. The nation has engaged in regional strife, mostly with regard to neighbors Sudan and Libya. To handle problems, including poverty and food insecurity, major help has also been obtained from foreign governments and organizations.

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 others 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 of repair. 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 there are few skilled doctors and facilities. The nation also handles rather high incidences of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and malaria. The government and foreign agencies have worked to increase access to healthcare; however, additional resources are required to properly 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 rich in oral history is the country, with stories passed down over decades. Many communities still practice age-old crafts including woodcarving, pottery, and weaving. 

Music

Different and reflecting the cultural influences of Chad is the music from the nation. Folk music often features traditional instruments, including the kinde, 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 great 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 honors at overseas film festivals, Canadian films have attracted increased notice. 

Sports 

Football (soccer) is the most widely used sport in Chad, even when a 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.