Chad is located in Middle Africa, and its capital is N'Djamena. It has a population of approximately 20,299,123 and covers an area of about 1,284,000 km². Its official currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF).
What stands out
People & place
15.8 /km² across 1,284,000 km²
Chad has a recorded population of 20,299,123 and a reported surface area of 1,284,000 km².
Economic snapshot
$19.52 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $19.52 billion and GDP per capita at $962 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Central African CFA franc (XAF)
Chad uses Central African CFA franc (XAF), calling code +235, internet domain .td.
About Chad
Nestled in the heart of Africa, Chad is a land of stark contrasts and hidden wonders, where sweeping deserts meet verdant savannas and vibrant traditions echo across its bustling markets.
Dominated by the Sahara Desert to the north and the Sahelian belt stretching southward, Chad’s most striking feature is Lake Chad, once one of Africa’s largest freshwater lakes, whose shrinking shoreline tells a story of climate change and resilience. The eastern Tibesti Mountains, crowned by Emi Koussi, the country’s highest peak, offer rugged volcanic landscapes that are a stark counterpoint to the flat, dusty plains of the north.
Chad’s cultural tapestry weaves together over 200 ethnic groups, each contributing unique music, dance, and craftsmanship. Traditional griot storytellers preserve oral histories, while the rhythmic beats of the donso drum and the melodic call of the n'goni fill village squares. Cuisine blends Saharan millet porridge, spicy goat stews, and the iconic “boule” of millet or sorghum dough, often enjoyed with a communal cup of tea flavored with cumin and mint.
A pivotal moment in Chad’s modern history occurred in 1960 when the nation gained independence from France, sparking a complex journey of nation‑building amid civil wars and regional rebellions that have shaped its contemporary political landscape.
Key facts
Chad is home to the Sahara’s mysterious “Lake of a Million Birds,” a seasonal wetland that becomes a vital stop‑over for migratory flamingos and pelicans.
With an area of roughly 1.28 million square kilometers, Chad is the fifth‑largest country in Africa.
Over 80 % of Chad’s population lives in rural areas, relying heavily on livestock herding and subsistence agriculture.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Chad has a recorded population of approximately 20,299,123 people.
How big is Chad?
Chad covers an area of about 1,284,000 km².
What is the population density of Chad?
Chad has a population density of roughly 15.8 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Chad?
Chad has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $19.52 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Chad?
Chad has a GDP per capita of approximately $962.
What currency is used in Chad?
Chad uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF), with the symbol FCFA.
Where is Chad located?
Chad is located in Middle Africa, Africa.
What is the native name of Chad?
The native name of Chad is Tchad.
What are people from Chad called?
People from Chad are referred to as Chadian.
What is the phone calling code for Chad?
The international dialing code for Chad is +235.
What is the internet domain for Chad?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Chad is .td.
What time zone is Chad in?
Chad uses the Africa/Ndjamena time zone.
What is Chad known for?
Nestled in the heart of Africa, Chad is a land of stark contrasts and hidden wonders, where sweeping deserts meet verdant savannas and vibrant traditions echo across its bustling markets.
Middle Africa