II.

Land and Resources

Chad’s terrain is dominated by the low-lying Lake Chad Basin (elevation about 250 m/820 ft), which rises gradually to mountains and plateaux on the north, east, and south. In the east, heights of more than 910 m (3,000 ft) are attained in the Ennedi and Wadai plateaux. The greatest elevations are reached in the Tibesti in the north, with a maximum height of 3,415 m (11,204 ft) at Emi Koussi. The northern half of the republic lies in the Sahara.

A.

Rivers and Lakes

The only important rivers, the Logone and Chari (Shari), are located in the south-west and flow into Lake Chad. The lake doubles in size during the rainy season but a combination of extended drought and increased use of the lake’s waters for irrigation and other purposes means that its level is falling.

B.

Climate

Chad has a tropical climate. The north is hot and arid and desert conditions prevail. The central area has three seasons: hot from March to July; rainy from July to October, with rainfall averaging between 250 and 750 mm (10 and 30 in); and cool during the remaining months. The south has similar seasons but receives adequate rainfall for cultivation: about 1,145 mm (45 in) of rain between July and October.

C.

Natural Resources

Although only about 3 per cent of Chad’s land is under cultivation, agricultural resources are of primary importance to the economy. Both indigenous and imported crops yield important food products, and cotton is cultivated in the south providing an important export. The fish resources of Lake Chad and the Chari and Logone rivers are also of vital importance. Natron (sodium carbonate) is mined. Oil deposits exist near Lake Chad but production is not yet under way. Deposits of gold and bauxite, and of uranium in the north, have been discovered but are unlikely to be exploited for some time as a result of continued political instability.

The uranium-rich Aouzou strip in the far north has been claimed by Libya, which annexed the area in 1977. In February 1994 the International Court of Justice ruled in Chad’s favour, and Libya subsequently agreed to withdraw by May 31, under UN observance.

D.

Environmental Concerns

Despite Chad being one of the poorest countries in the world, agriculture, biodiversity, and forestry projects are being undertaken. Arable land makes up less than 2.6 per cent (1997) of Chad’s total land area, a situation that has led to significant population pressure in certain areas, compounded by the threat of desertification.