Travel Guide Chad - Country Information

Coordinates: 15 00 N, 19 00 E
Population: 9,944,201 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Muslim 51%, Christian 35%, animist 7%, other 7%
Languages: French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects
Climate: tropical in south, desert in north
Elevation: lowest point: Djourab Depression 160 m / highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m
Hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; locust plagues
Background Chad: Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually drafted a democratic constitution, and held flawed presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. In 1998, a rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which sporadically flares up despite several peace agreements between the government and the rebels. In 2005 new rebel groups emerged in western Sudan and have made probing attacks into eastern Chad. Power remains in the hands of an ethnic minority. In June 2005, President Idriss DEBY held a referendum successfully removing constitutional term limits.

Summary of recommendations:All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
Malaria: Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended for all areas.
Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A	Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid	Recommended for all travelers
Yellow fever	Recommended for all travelers
Meningococcus	Recommended for travel during the dry season (from November through June)
Polio	One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult
Hepatitis B	For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
Rabies	For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)	Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
Tetanus-diphtheria	Revaccination recommended every 10 years