Chad🇹🇩
Chad is a landlocked country located in the northern part of Africa. Bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west, Chad boasts a diverse cultural and geographical terrain. Relationship with neighbor countries can be tense due to political instability. Known for its varied landscapes, which include the Sahara Desert, the Sahelian belt, and the fertile Savanna, the Lake Chad is one of the most well-known geographical landmarks and a major source of life for multiple nations surrounding it. A visit to the breathtaking sandstone formation of the Ennedi Plateau is highly recommended.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid travelling after dark due to high crime rates.
- Avoid rural areas and places near the borders with Libya and Sudan due to potential conflict.
- Avoid street food as hygiene standards might not be maintained.
- Avoid open display of affection if you're a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Avoid travelling during the wet season (June-September) due to road inaccessibility.
- Avoid drinking tap water, always opt for bottled water.
- Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, as they can turn violent.
- Avoid public transportation if possible due to poor maintenance and safety.
- Avoid criticising the government or expressing political opinions openly.
- Avoid ignoring local customs and traditions to respect the cultural values.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Crime is a considerable problem in Chad, especially in rural areas and major cities like N'Djamena. Street crimes such as robbery and pickpocketing are common, as is carjacking. The limited law enforcement resources contribute to the high crime rate. Travelers are advised to take extra precautions.
Terrorism 💣
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Chad borders the Lake Chad region, which has been a hotbed of Islamist insurgency led by Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province. Numerous attacks have occurred in the past and the threat of terrorism is high, particularly in areas near where the borders of Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon converge. One notable attack was in July 2019, where 37 people were killed in a Boko Haram ambush.
War ⚔️
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Chad has seen quite a bit of conflict due to civil war and the armed rebellion. The tense situation with rebel groups has resulted in significant political instability, particularly near the Sudanese border. Summer 2020 saw the most recent major flare-up, with fierce fighting between the government and FACT rebel forces.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Natural disasters in Chad mainly include droughts and floods which affect agriculture, the country's main economic activity. The 2020 floods were some of the worst ever recorded, causing considerable loss of life and property.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical facilities in Chad are severely limited both in supply and quality. There is a notable shortage of trained medical staff, which coupled with a lack of medical supplies, have resulted in inadequate healthcare. Accessibility to even the most basic healthcare can be extremely limited, particularly in rural areas.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in Chad is generally not safe to drink. Many areas lack access to clean and safe drinking water. Bottled water is prevalent and recommended for travelers and residents.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Health risks such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases are common, with malaria being the leading cause of illness and death. Respiratory diseases and meningitis also come up during the dry season. In 2020, Chad also faced a measles outbreak.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption remains a serious problem in Chad. It permeates many sectors of society, including politics, public services, and even law enforcement. This has severely hampered development and poverty reduction strategies.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Safety for women in Chad is a concerning issue, with high rates of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly domestic violence and marital rape. Traveling alone is generally not advised.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Chad is not a safe country for the LGBTQ+ community. Homosexual activity is criminalized and socially stigmatized in Chad, making it a particularly hostile country for queer individuals.
Censorship 📺
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There is frequent censorship in Chad, with the government controlling most of the media outlets. There were instances of internet shutdowns during times of political unrest, such as in 2020 during the presidential elections.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation exists in Chad, primarily in the form of taxis and minibuses in the cities. However, it's often in poor condition and not particularly safe or reliable. Road accidents can be common due to badly maintained roads.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
The safety situation in Chad is concerning due to high rates of crime, occasions of terror incidents and a troubled political situation. Visitors should take additional precautions and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are a number of foreign embassies in Chad, with most being located in the capital city, N'Djamena. These include the US embassy, French embassy, and Chinese embassy among others.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
It's recommended to be vaccinated against diseases like Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, and Rabies. Malaria prophylaxis is also suggested.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Chad's rich wildlife includes potentially dangerous animals like crocodiles present in lakes and rivers. Poisonous snakes are also found.
🛂 Visa Requirements
For most nationalities, a visa for Chad is required and must be obtained in advance.
💲 Currency
The currency is Chadian Franc (CFA). There are opportunities to exchange money in N'Djamena.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are not widely accepted and usage is generally limited to some hotels in N'Djamena.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel in Chad can be challenging due to political instability, poor infrastructure and limited job opportunities.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Travel and living in Chad can be relatively expensive depending on the circumstances. Accommodation and transport facilities can differ greatly in terms of quality and price.