What is Chad?
Chad is a landlocked country in north-central Africa, bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west. Known for its diverse ethnic groups and languages, Chad is a country rich in natural resources but struggles with political instability and economic challenges.
Administrative Divisions
Chad is divided into 23 regions, each governed by a regional president. These regions are:
- Batha
- Borkou
- Chari-Baguirmi
- Guéra
- Hadjer-Lamis
- Kanem
- Lac
- Logone Occidental
- Logone Oriental
- Mandoul
- Moyen-Chari
- Njimi
- Ouaddaï
- Salamat
- Sila
- Tibesti
- Wadi Fira
- Ouaddaï
- Chari-Baguirmi
- Biltine
- Guéra
- Batha
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Central African CFA Franc
- Symbol: XAF
- Subunit: 1 CFA Franc = 100 Centimes
- Central Bank: Bank of Central African States (BEAC)
Type of Government
Chad is a unitary presidential republic, where the President is both the head of state and government. The president is elected for a six-year term and holds considerable executive power. Chad also has a National Assembly, which is responsible for passing laws and checking the powers of the executive.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Powers & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| President | Head of state and government. | Leads the country, manages foreign policy, and holds control over the military. |
| Prime Minister | Appointed by the President. | Coordinates government ministries and executes the President’s directives. |
| Ministers | Appointed by the President. | Handle specific administrative sectors, such as defense, economy, and foreign affairs. |
Legislative Branch
| Chamber | Description | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| National Assembly | The lower house of the National Assembly. | Enacts legislation, checks the executive, and represents the population’s interests. |
Judicial Branch
| Court | Role Description | Powers & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | The highest judicial body in the country. | Reviews legal cases and ensures laws are consistent with the Constitution. |
| High Court | Handles significant criminal cases and appeals. | Deals with more serious legal matters, such as corruption or crimes against the state. |
International Memberships
- African Union (AU)
- United Nations (UN)
- Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD)
Military Structure
Chad has a well-organized military with a focus on defending its territory and providing support in peacekeeping missions across Africa. The army is divided into:
- Army
- Air Force
- National Gendarmerie
- National Police
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: 112
- Police: 17
- Medical Emergency: 15
- Fire: 18
SWOT Analysis of Chad
Strengths
- Large oil reserves and mineral resources, including uranium and gold.
- Strategic location with access to Central Africa and the Sahel region.
Weaknesses
- Political instability and frequent conflicts, including civil wars.
- Poor infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
Opportunities
- Potential for economic growth through oil exports and regional trade.
- Developing a more stable political climate could attract foreign investment.
Threats
- Security risks due to insurgencies and instability in neighboring countries.
- Environmental challenges, including desertification and water scarcity.
Additional Information
- Official Language: French and Arabic.
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT).
- Capital City: N’Djamena.