People

Chad lies at ethnic crossroads where the Arab Africans and black Africans meet. Some 200 ethnic groups form Chad’s population. The Arabs and their sub groups are dominant in the north of the country and the south has a majority of black Africans who are of the Pagan or Kirdi tribes. The Arab Africans are desert dwelling and acclimatised to living in hot and dry conditions. Most of them are Muslim.

The southern black Africans are peasant farmers tilling fertile land, forever reliant on the rains, are mostly Christian or Animist. They are in the majority and hold most of the government and civil service posts. The people of Chad are friendly and relaxed but deeply respect their traditional beliefs and customs and expect you to do the same. Dress is informal but conservative in Muslim areas. Women are strictly segregated in respect to Muslim laws.

It is suggested that as a gesture of respect you do not use the left hand to offer or accept any thing.