What is Chad?
Chad is a landlocked country in North-Central Africa, often referred to as the “Dead Heart of Africa” due to its central location in the continent. It is characterized by its diverse geography, including the vast Sahara Desert in the north, Sahelian belt in the center, and savannas in the south.
Administrative Divisions
Chad is divided into 23 regions, which are further subdivided into departments, sub-prefectures, and rural communities for local governance.
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
- Symbol: FCFA
- Subunit: 1 Franc = 100 centimes
- Central Bank: Bank of Central African States (BEAC)
Type of Government
Chad is a unitary presidential republic. The President holds the position of head of state and government, while the Prime Minister supports executive administration.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| President | Head of State and Government | Oversees all branches of government and leads policy implementation. |
| Prime Minister | Assists the President in governance | Coordinates government activities and policy execution. |
| Council of Ministers | Ministers heading specific departments | Advises on and implements national policies. |
Legislative Branch
- National Assembly: A unicameral legislature responsible for drafting and approving laws.
- Members are elected by popular vote.
Judicial Branch
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | Highest judicial authority | Handles appeals and ensures justice. |
| Constitutional Council | Ensures adherence to the Constitution | Reviews laws and resolves disputes. |
International Memberships
- African Union (AU)
- United Nations (UN)
- Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
- Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD)
- Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Military Structure
- Chadian National Army (ANT): Includes ground forces, air force, and paramilitary units.
- Focuses on maintaining internal security and protecting national borders.
- Actively involved in regional counter-terrorism efforts, particularly against Boko Haram.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: 112
- Police: 17
- Fire: 18
SWOT Analysis of Chad
Strengths
- Rich natural resources, including oil, gold, and uranium.
- Geopolitical importance in regional security.
Weaknesses
- Widespread poverty and low human development index (HDI).
- Political instability and corruption.
Opportunities
- Potential for economic growth through resource management.
- Regional integration and trade expansion.
Threats
- Vulnerability to climate change, including desertification.
- Ongoing conflicts and security threats in border areas.
Additional Information
- Official Languages: French, Arabic
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1)
- National Anthem: “La Tchadienne”