Why visit
Chad's far north hides the Ennedi Plateau, a sandstone labyrinth of arches and gueltas, and the Lakes of Ounianga, a UNESCO chain of desert lakes. Zakouma National Park in the south has staged one of Africa's great elephant recoveries.
Country - Africa
Chad
culturenatureadventure
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Chad works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use N'Djamena as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Chad.
At a glance
Location
15.0°, 19.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
1,284,000 km²
495,755 mi²
Subregion
Middle Africa
Currency
Central African CFA franc (Fr)
XAF
Dial
+235
Languages
Arabic, French
Demonym
Chadian
Internet
.td
UN
Member state
ISO code
TD / TCD
Where in the world
15.0° - 19.0°
Chad
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Chad's Lake Chad was once the sixth-largest lake in the world but has shrunk by about 90% since the 1960s.
- The Ennedi Plateau contains more than 3,000 archaeological sites of Saharan rock art, dating back 7,000 years.
- Chad contains the Tibesti Mountains, home to Emi Koussi (3,415 m), the Sahara's highest peak.
Bordering Chad
Traveler notes
- Zakouma runs superb dry-season safaris under African Parks management
- The Ennedi arches rank among the Sahara's most dramatic landscapes
- Desert expeditions require full logistics support and current security checks
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital N'Djamena, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Chad
What is the capital of Chad?
N'Djamena is the capital of Chad.
What currency does Chad use?
Chad uses the Central African CFA franc (Fr), ISO code XAF.
What languages are spoken in Chad?
The primary languages are Arabic and French.
Is Chad landlocked?
Yes, Chad is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Chad?
Chad borders Cameroon, Central African Republic, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan.
What is the international calling code for Chad?
The calling code is +235.
When is the best time to visit Chad?
Nov–Mar. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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