Overview
The Republic of Chad has been producing oil since 2003 and is rich in gold and uranium. However, a combination of corruption, conflict and illiteracy have all added to the nation’s continued poverty.
More than half of Chad is desert and increasing desertification due to climate change is a constant concern. Most of the population struggles to access enough food.
Tensions between the mainly Arab-Muslim north and the Christian/animist south have created instability and conflict. The government has faced regular attempted coups and insurgencies, which resulted in the killing of the president in early 2021. Protests, violence and civil unrest continue.
In addition, an influx of refugees from neighbouring Sudan, Libya, Central African Republic and Nigeria has put pressure on already limited resources.