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About the country of Chad
Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad is an ethnically diverse nation with a colorful culture. The Colonial French rule has influenced Chad contemporary society. Chad’s official languages are Arabic and French, but over 100 languages and dialects are spoken. Due to the important role played by itinerant Arab traders and settled merchants in local communities; Chadian Arabic has become a lingua franca. Religion in Chad is diverse, with adherents of Islam and Christianity representing almost half of the population each. Smaller populations of non-religious people as well as adherents of other faiths are also present. Because of its great variety of peoples and languages, Chad possesses a rich cultural heritage.
A. Food
Food in Daily Life. Patterns of food production and consumption are rather diverse across the various ethnic groups. There is no shared “national food culture,” although the one dish fairly common throughout the country is a kind of set grain porridge, made of sorghum or millet flour, served with sauces that contain meat, dried fish, tomatoes, onions, and good spices.
B. Economy
Basic Economy. Chad is one of the poorest countries on the African continent. The great distances and poor infrastructure have hampered the development of a national market and a nationwide, shared food economy. Local communities outside the cities are largely self-sufficient in food production. Commercial food production is concentrated in the South. Chad has a thoroughly agrarian economy, with about 40 percent of the workforce engaged in livestock herding, 40 percent in agricultural production (including cotton farming), and the rest in manufacturing, services, and the military. Most of the economy is geared to subsistence cultivation (including sorghum, millet, groundnuts, vegetables, and fruits) and livestock raising. About 40 percent of the gross domestic product is generated from agriculture, and approximately 18 percent from the livestock economy (which includes cattle, goats, sheep, and camels). Since 2003, Oil constitutes the bulk of export earnings and government revenues.
C. Tourism
1. N’Djamena
The capital and largest city in Chad, N’djamena is a blend of modern and historic cultures. The population of N’Djamena is growing at an alarming rate due to many citizens of the country seeking the opportunities that come with life in the city. Despite the modern appearance of some buildings, many mud-brick structures will remind you that you are still in one of the world’s poorest countries. The nightlife here is truly amazing and the lively bars have to be powered by hundreds of generators that reinforce the national grid. The national museum, which explores the history of Chad for the last several thousand years, and the central market are the two main attractions in the daytime.
2. Zakouma National Park
Zakouma National Park, in the southeastern region of Chad, covers an area of roughly 3,000 square kilometers. It is regarded as one of the last places in Central Africa that is truly a refuge for wildlife and it is considered to be one of the most successful conservation efforts in the area. The park is teeming with rare and diverse species of mammals and birds. The Tinga Camp offers accommodation for up to 490 people and is in the heart of the best game viewing area in the park. You can enjoy your dinner whilst enjoying the ambiance of the African bush.
3. Ennedi
The Ennedi region of Chad is home to the Ennedi Desert. The landscape is harsh, occupied mainly by scorpions and beetles but it is also home to some of the most beautiful and unusual rock formations in the world. The landscape is mostly flat but jutting up regularly are large stone arches and jagged rock formations that are like natural works of arts. The area is hard to reach and difficult to survive in, requiring carefully thought out plans and provisions, but those who venture here are rewarded with some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world.
4. Lake Ounianga
Found in the Sahara Desert, the Lakes of Ouianga consists of 18 lakes in total which are supplied by so-called underground fossil water. The rain fell many thousands of years ago when the climate was much wetter than it is today. In fact the lakes now only receive 2mm of rainfall each year. Some of the lakes are salty whereas others are fresh and support life. The lakes are Chad’s sole Unesco World Heritage Site.
5. Tibesti Mountains
The Tibesti Mountains are difficult to reach and explore but there are many things here that will reward adventurous travellers. The highest peak here is the Emi Koussi which stands at 3,500m above sea level. The peak is actually a huge extinct volcano and only the experienced should consider climbing it. For travellers there are many great things to do in the area such as watching camel racing, view ancient rock art and enjoy the nearby hot thermal springs.
6. Moundou
Moundou is the second largest city in Chad and lies on the Mbere River. The city is home to the Gala Brewery which has produced the most popular lager in the country since independence. More than a million barrels of the nectar are produced each year. Tours of the brewery are available for visitors and a cold glass of the lager is a great way to cool down from the intense heat of Chad. The city is also home of the Ngambi people.
7. Lake Chad
Lake Chad is a historically large, shallow, endorheic lake in central Africa, which has varied in size over the centuries.
D. Music
Chad music reflects the different regions and ethnicity of its peoples with instruments including the ‘hu hu’, kakaki, maracus and kinde however probably the most frequently used musical instruments are the single-reeded flute associated with the Falani and the lutes and fiddles of the Tibesti region.
Other string instruments such as the ‘keleli’ are used to speak for male performers as it is not considered appropriate in some parts of Chad for men to be singing in front of adult women. This instrument is mostly used around the Tibetsi Mountains where Teda music is played. Regardless of the instruments used, most if not all Chad music is set against a background of Tam Tam drumming.
You can hear Chad music played spontaneously in churches, millet bars and at village dance nights. The national Anthem of Chad was written in 1960 following independence from France and is called “La Tchadienne”; an English translation is as follows:
Read more: https://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Chad.html#ixzz6tj3ndHFUChadians are generally friendly and relaxed, but they expect foreigners to respect their customs and beliefs. Dress is informal, but conservative to show respect for the Muslim laws. Muslim areas are strictly segregated between women and men. Shaking hands is customary, and the left hand should not be used when accepting or offering food.
Read more: https://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Chad.html#ixzz6tiyU0G00