United States. Central Intelligence Agency

“ Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be boosted by major oilfield and pipeline projects that began in 2000. Over 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and stock raising for its livelihood. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's export earnings, but Chad will begin to export oil in 2004. Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked position, high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and private sector investment projects. ”

“ The 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 held multiparty presidential elections in 1996 and 1997. In 1998, a new rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which sporadically flares up despite two peace agreements signed in 2002 and 2003 between the government and the rebels. Despite movement toward democratic reform, power remains in the hands of a northern ethnic oligarchy. ”

“ Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel
People Chad Population: 9,538,544 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 47.9% (male 2,297,490; female 2,269,801)
15-64 years: 49.3% (male 2,245,586; female 2,459,796)
65 years and over: 2.8% (male 107,594; female 158,277) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 16 years
male: 15.3 years
female: 16.7 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 3% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 46.5 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 16.38 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.11 migrant (s) /1,000 population (2004 est.) ”