Oil and agriculture are the mainstays of Chad’s economy. Oil provides about 60% of export revenues, while cotton, cattle, livestock and gum arabic provide the bulk of the country’s non-oil export earnings. The services sector contributes about one-third of GDP and has attracted foreign investment mostly through telecoms and banking.

Name Republic of Chad

Capital N’Djamena

Frequency of elections Every five years

Name of parliament National Assembly of Chad

Parliament website www.gouvernementdutchad.org/fr/

Languages French, Arabic, Sara, ethnic languages

Area 1 284 000 km²

Population 11 412 107 (July 2014 est)

Imports Machinery and transportation equipment, industrial goods, foodstuffs, textiles

Exports Oil, cattle, cotton, gum arabic

Currency Coopération Financière en Afrique Centrale franc

Source: CIA World Factbook
Image: Greatstock/Corbis