Chad

Chad is a big country in central Africa. It is landlocked, which means it does not touch any sea. The northern part is a hot desert, while the south has green grasslands. About 17 million people live in Chad, and the capital city is N'Djamena.

Deserts and Lakes

The northern part of Chad is part of the huge Sahara Desert. Giant sand dunes stretch for miles. In the middle of the desert, there are even some amazing lakes with strange colors. To the south is Lake Chad, which gives the country its name. The lake used to be one of the biggest in Africa, but it has been getting smaller. Many animals like elephants, giraffes, and lions live in the grasslands.

People and Culture

More than 200 different ethnic groups live in Chad. That means people speak many different languages, but French and Arabic are used the most. Families in Chad often raise cows, goats, and camels. Camels are very helpful for traveling across the desert. People enjoy eating a thick porridge called boule with sauces. Music and storytelling are an important part of daily life.

Fun Facts

• Chad has some of the oldest cave art in the world, painted thousands of years ago.
• Lake Chad used to be one of the biggest lakes in Africa.
• The country is named after its famous lake.

Did You Know?

A very rare kind of crocodile called the West African crocodile still lives in desert pools in Chad.