CHAD
Vacations and Sightseeing

Basic information
Official language	French
Capital	Ndjamena
Area	1.284.000 km²
Population	17,248,953  (2021)
Currency	CFA-franc  (XA)
Web	.td
Code.	TCD
Tel.	+235

Vacations and Sightseeing

When people consider an African holiday, Chad is not usually high on their list. Besides being one of the poorest countries in the world, it is also one of the most corrupt and violent. Nevertheless, adventurous visitors who take precautions will be able to admire numerous tourist attractions in Chad. Check government advisories before you go.

Lake Chad supplies water to more than 20 million people in Chad and neighbouring Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria. It was once the centre of the salt trade in Africa. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The best time to visit Lake Chad is from August to December, when the water levels are at their highest and the migratory birds have settled down. You will also see hippos, crocodiles and other wild animals.

N'Djamena is the capital of Chad. It has a raw nightlife with numerous bars and local music. The historic district has an active daily market, here tourists can buy colourful carpets and jewellery made by the friendly locals. Also visit the National Museum for an insight into Sarh culture, with some collections dating back to the ninth century.

The Bahr Salamat River and its tributaries flow through Zakouma National Park in southern Chad. Zakouma was Chad's first national park. It measures 1,200 square miles of wilderness. Despite the fact that it was plundered by poachers and ravaged by war, the park has been well restored since the government and the European Union joined forces in 1989. Wildlife is once again abundant, with more than 40 species of large mammals, including lions and giraffes, and dozens of species of birds. The park has the largest concentration of elephants in the world.

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Sources

Elmar Landeninformatie

CIA - World Factbook

BBC - Country Profiles

Last updated October 2024
Copyright: Team The World of Info