Chad
Republic of Chad
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +4.95%
Chad is a Middle Africa landlocked nation of around 20.3 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. This landlocked territory spans 1.28 million km² with a density of 16 people per km². Its capital is N'Djamena, and official languages include Arabic and French, while the Central African CFA franc serves as the national currency.
Population
20,299,123
Area
1,284,000 km²
Density
16/km²
World Rank
#65
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 42.4 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 11 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 46.1% of the population is under 15, while only 2.1% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- N'Djamena
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Middle Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- Arabic, French
- Currencies
- Central African CFA franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +235
- Top-Level Domain
- .td
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 20,299,123
- Land Area
- 1,284,000 km²
- Population Density
- 16 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +4.95%
- Annual Growth
- +1,004,807 people
- Daily Growth
- +2,753 people
- World Population Share
- 0.25%
- Coordinates
- 15.00°, 19.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $962 classifies Chad as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 1.1%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 37.4 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
55.1 years
GDP per Capita
$962
Birth Rate
42.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
11.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
26.9%
Fertility Rate
6.12 births/woman
Infant Mortality
58.7 per 1,000
Unemployment
1.1%
Literacy Rate
30.6%
Internet Users
13.2%
Under 15
46.1%
Over 65
2.1%
Health Spending
5.0% GDP
Gini Index
37.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
9.3M
15-64 years
10.5M
65+ years
426K
Urbanization
Only 26.9% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, N'Djamena, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 123104.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
5.5M
26.9%
14.8M
73.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy is 55.1 years, considerably below the world average of 72.8, underscoring urgent public-health challenges. An infant mortality rate of 58.7 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. Literacy stands at 30.6%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Chad
Chad has 4 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Chad is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Chad participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 20,299,123 |
| 2030 | 24,344,384 |
| 2035 | 29,841,673 |
| 2040 | 35,755,341 |
| 2045 | 42,006,375 |
| 2050 | 48,520,579 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Chad.
Largest Cities in Chad
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Chad by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chad?
The population of Chad is approximately 20.3 million as of 2026, making it #65 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Chad?
The capital of Chad is N'Djamena.
What languages are spoken in Chad?
The main languages spoken in Chad are Arabic, French.
How big is Chad?
Chad covers an area of 1,284,000 km² with a population density of 16 people per km².
Is Chad growing or shrinking?
Chad is growing at a rate of 4.95% per year, adding approximately 1,004,807 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Chad?
The average life expectancy in Chad is 55.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Chad?
The GDP per capita of Chad is $962.