Many borders
Chad shares its borders with several countries, influencing its geography, history and international relations. Its neighbors are Cameroon to the west, Nigeria to the west-southwest, Niger to the west-northwest, Sudan to the east, Libya to the north, and the Central African Republic to the south.
To the north of Chad lies the border with Libya, a country characterized by vast stretches of desert. The border crosses sparsely populated arid zones, where security and the movement of nomadic populations are a major challenge. The north of Chad is mainly desert, with the Sahara desert extending over a large part of the region. Nomadic populations such as the Toubous are present in this region.
To the east, Chad shares a border with Sudan, a country with which it has maintained complex relations marked by clashes and population movements. This border crosses regions affected by armed conflict, security issues and political instability.
To the south, Chad shares borders with the Central African Republic, a country beset by political unrest and internal conflict. This border is criss-crossed by population movements and illicit trafficking, posing challenges in terms of security and regional stability. Southern Chad is greener and more fertile than the north and center, due to its proximity to the Sahelian and equatorial zones. Sedentary populations such as the Sara, Ngambaye and Moundang are present in this region.
To the west, Chad shares borders with Cameroon and Nigeria. This region is characterized by an ecological diversity ranging from the desert regions of the north to the greener areas of the south. These borders are important trading points and are vital to the regional economy.
In the northwest, Chad shares a border with Niger, a landlocked country known for its cultural diversity and largely agricultural economy. This border is crossed by nomadic populations and trade flows that contribute to regional dynamics.
The relief of Chad: captivating geographical diversity
Chad's topography is remarkably diverse, ranging from the vast desert expanses of the Sahara in the north to the fertile plains of southern Sudan. The varied topography of this Central African country influences not only living conditions, but also the country's economy and natural resources.
North of Chad lies the Sahara Desert, one of the world's largest hot deserts. This arid region is characterized by landscapes of sand dunes, regs (rocky plains) and scattered oases. Desert winds continually sculpt the landscape, creating spectacular formations and extreme living conditions for the nomadic populations who reside here.
In the center of the country lies the Sahel region, a semi-arid zone of savannahs and plateaus. This intermediate zone between the desert and the greener savannahs of the south offers soils more suited to agriculture and livestock farming. Inhabitants of the Sahel often practice subsistence farming and nomadic herding to meet their needs. Further south, the landscape changes to lusher savannahs and dense forests.
Water, an essential element
Chad's hydrography is marked by the presence of major rivers, lakes and wetlands that play a vital role in the lives of the country's populations, wildlife and economy. Located in the heart of Africa, Chad benefits from a diversity of hydrographic features that contribute to its natural wealth and biodiversity.
The Chari River is one of Chad's main waterways. It rises in the mountains of the country's central region, crosses the territory from north to south and empties into Lake Chad. The Chari is a vital watercourse for the water supply of riverside populations, and for the agriculture and wildlife that depend on its resources.
Lake Chad, the largest freshwater lake in the region with a surface area ranging from 3,000 to 25,000 km2 depending on the season, is a veritable oasis in the heart of the Sahel. It is an essential source of food, water and livelihoods for millions of people living in the region. Lake Chad is also of major ecological importance, home to a rich diversity of animal and plant species, many of which are endemic to the region.
However, Lake Chad is facing increasing challenges due to demographic pressure, overexploitation of water resources, deforestation and climate change. The lake's shrinking surface area over the decades is having an impact on local populations, the lake ecosystem and the economic activities that depend on it, such as fishing and irrigated agriculture.
In addition to the Chari River and Lake Chad, Chad has other major rivers such as the Logone and Bahr Azoum, which contribute to the irrigation of farmland and the biodiversity of the country's aquatic ecosystems.
Natural resources
Chad is endowed with a variety of natural resources. Here are some of the country's main natural resources:
Oil. Chad has significant oil reserves, mainly in the Lake Chad Basin. Oil production is a major source of revenue for the country.
Uranium. Chad also has deposits of uranium, a mineral used mainly as fuel in nuclear power plants.
Gold. Chad has gold deposits in several parts of the country, although gold mining is still relatively limited.
Salt. Chad is famous for its salt mines, particularly in the Sahel region. Salt is an essential resource for many local communities.
Aquatic resources. Lake Chad, on the border between Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, is an important source of aquatic resources for fishing.
