Chad: Desert and Lake

Chad, landlocked in north-central Africa, features the Sahara Desert in the north and tropical zones in the south. Lake Chad, though greatly shrunk from its historic size, remains vital for fishing and agriculture, shared with Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon.

Chad is ethnically diverse with over 200 ethnic groups and languages. The capital N'Djamena sits where the Chari and Logone rivers meet. The Ennedi Plateau features spectacular rock formations and prehistoric rock art. Despite oil reserves, Chad remains one of the world's poorest and most corrupt countries.

French and Arabic are official languages, though most people speak indigenous languages. Chad has experienced numerous coups and civil wars since independence. The country faces challenges including desertification, poverty, and regional conflicts. Despite hardships, Chadians maintain cultural traditions and resilience in harsh environments.