International Peacemaking and Human Rights Programs - Chad

Activities by Country

Chad

Eliminating Guinea worm disease in Chad will mean thousands of people will be spared suffering from this ancient and devastating waterborne illness.

Fighting Disease

More than 200 ethnic groups call Chad home. Its diversity has been simultaneously a great strength and opportunity for weakness. The nation's history is riddled with internal division and political turmoil as a result of violent competition among some groups for power, making economic development extremely difficult. However, in partnership with The Carter Center, Chad seeks to eliminate a recent outbreak of Guinea worm disease in order to build hope in the nation for a healthier future.

Read full text on the Carter Center's health work in Chad >

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QUICK FACTS: CHAD

Size: 1.284 million square kilometers – more than three times the size of the U.S. state of California

Population: 9,885,661

Average annual income: $480 USD

Population below poverty line: 80 percent

Languages: French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects

Life expectancy: 47 years

Ethnic groups: 200 distinct groups; in the north and center: Arabs, Gorane (Toubou, Daza, Kreda), Zaghawa, Kanembou, Ouaddai, Baguirmi, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Hausa, Boulala, and Maba, most of whom are Muslim; in the south: Sara (Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye), Moundang, Moussei, Massa, most of whom are Christian or animist; about 1,000 French citizens live in Chad

(Source: U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, World Factbook 2008; The World Bank 2006)

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