Chad

Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually drafted a democratic constitution, and held flawed presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. In 1998, a rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which sporadically flares up despite several peace agreements between the government and the rebels. In 2005 new rebel groups emerged in western Sudan and have made probing attacks into eastern Chad. Power remains in the hands of an ethnic minority. In June 2005, President Idriss DEBY held a referendum successfully removing constitutional term limits.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 9,885,661 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Chadian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Chadian

Official Language(s): French, Arabic

Major Languages Spoken: Arabic, French

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Chad

Country Name (short form): Chad

Country Name (local long form): Republique du Tchad/Jumhuriyat Tshad

Country Name (local short form): Tchad/Tshad

Name of Capital: N'Djamena

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Chad: Libya, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Cameroon, Central African Republic

Land Area: 1259200 sq km

Water Area: 24800 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly more than three times the size of California

Total Land Boundry: 5,968 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 11 August (1960)

International Phone Code: 235

Currency Code: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF)

Internet Country Code: .td

US Embassy Location: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena

US Embassy Mailing Address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena