Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of ethnic warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. A transitional government eventually suppressed or came to terms with most political-military groups, settled a territorial dispute with Libya on terms favorable to Chad, drafted a democratic constitution, and resently held multiparty presidential and National Assembly elections. Despite movement toward democratic reform, power remains in the hands of a northern ethnic oligarchy. Though Chad is peaceful for the time being, the possibility of new rebellion is an ever-present threat.
About 85% of Chadians make their living from subsistence agriculture, fishing, and stock raising. Cotton and livestock are the two major exports. In years of adequate rainfall, Chad is self-sufficient in food, but in years of drought, large quantities of cereals must be imported.
Chad is officially non-aligned but has close relations with France and other members of the Western community. It receives economic aid from countries of the European Community, the United States, and various international organizations. Chad has generally good rapport with its neighbors, but to a lesser extent with Libya. Lybia's expansionist policies kept the two nations in military conflict over the Aozou Strip in northern Chad during in the 1980's. Relations have improved since the peaceful resolution the dispute.
Demographic Data
Capital: N'Djamena
Government type: Democracy
Government stability: 68.0%
Government efficiency: 32.0%
Population's support to government: 67.9%
Area: 1,259,200 square kilometers
Habitable land: 49.0%
Farmable land: 2.0%
Total population: 5,586 thousands
Population's growth: 2.2%
Country's development level: 2,910
Economic Data
GNP: 2,800,000,000
Industralisation: 21.4%
International funding: 7,000,000
Political Data
Secret services efficiency: 783
Military Data
Technological generation: 1
Number of rebels: 1,061
Rebels development: 2,619
Rebels technological access: 2,036