IV.

Economy

The economy of Chad is based largely on subsistence agriculture; some 83 percent of the labor force is engaged in farming, animal husbandry, forestry, and fishing. In 1992 national budget figures showed revenues of $120 million and expenditures of $363 million. Chad’s economic prospects have been boosted by the development of oil wells since 2000 and the 2003 completion of a 1,000-km-long (600-mi-long) oil pipeline through Cameroon to the Atlantic coast.

The currency is the CFA franc, consisting of 100 centimes (527.50 CFA francs equal U.S.$1; 2005 average). An exchange rate of 50 CFA francs equal to 1 French franc was in force until 1994, when the CFA franc was devalued by 50 percent. In 2000 imports were $290 million, and exports were $183 million.

A.

Agriculture

Cotton and livestock are the most important agricultural products of Chad, accounting for about 70 percent of earnings. Production in 2005 was 233,000 metric tons of cotton. The rice crop is becoming increasingly important. Millet, potatoes, squash, beans, peanuts, and other vegetables are grown for local consumption. Livestock raising is important in the central region and in areas of the north. In 2005 the country’s livestock population included 6.5 million head of cattle, 2.6 million sheep, 5.8 million goats, 740,000 camels, and 275,000 horses. About one-third of the land is used for grazing.

B.

Industries

The processing of cotton and cottonseed oil and the manufacturing of peanut oil are major industries in Chad. Modern meatpacking plants have been established in N’Djamena and Sarh. The fishing industry furnishes fresh, dried, and smoked fish for domestic use and export. Petroleum mining and processing are increasingly important industries in Chad. Gold and natron, a mineral used to make soap, glass, paper, and medicines, are also mined. Forestry is important in the south. The output of electricity in 2003 was 120 million kilowatt-hours.

C.

Transportation and Communications

Of a road network of 33,400 km (20,754 mi), only about one-quarter are all-weather. Chad has no railroads. The main airport at N’Djamena can accommodate large jets, and about 55 other airports serve smaller craft. The radio station in N’Djamena is government-owned and broadcasts programs in French, Arabic, and eight African languages. In 1997 there were an average 236 radio receivers and 1.4 television sets for every 1,000 inhabitants.