Chad General

Chad is the largest landlocked country in Africa, is sometimes called the "Dead Heart of Africa" due to its large desert areas, and has a diverse culture with over 200 ethnic groups and languages. Fun facts include that it is the fifth largest country in Africa, has a flag almost identical to Romania's, and traditions like grooms working on their future in-laws' farm for three years. 

• Geography and environment:
  • Chad is the largest landlocked country in Africa and the fifth largest country in Africa overall.
  • It is sometimes nicknamed the "Dead Heart of Africa" because of its landlocked position and large desert areas.
  • The Sahara Desert covers about a third of the country.
  • Lake Chad has shrunk significantly, by over 90%, since the 1960s due to climate change and water diversion.
  • The country has the highest point in the Sahara, the dormant volcano Emi Koussi in the Tibesti Mountains.
• Culture and traditions:
  • Chad is a land of diversity, with over 200 ethnic groups and languages.
  • The flag of Chad is almost identical to the flag of Romania, with the blue color being slightly darker.
  • Traditional ceremonial music sometimes features a long metal trumpet called a Kakaki.
  • A unique tradition is that grooms must work on their bride's family's farm for three years after marriage, as a test of loyalty and responsibility.
  • The national symbols are the goat (in the north) and the lion (in the south).
• Economy and resources:
  • The economy is driven by crude oil, and the country has reserves of both gold and uranium.
  • Staple foods are grains like millet and sorghum.
  • Chad has a significant livestock industry, and has committed to repaying a debt to Angola in the form of 75,000 cattle.
• History:
  • Chad gained independence from France on August 11, 1960.
  • Islam arrived in the area around 1085.
  • The country has a history of conflict, including the Chadian-Libyan conflict from 1978 to 1987.