Once the site of the Muslim kingdoms of Kanem-Bornu, Baguirmi, and Ouaddai, the region became part of French Equatorial Africa in 1910, and an overseas territory of the French Republic in 1946. Independence was achieved on 11 August 1960. Since independence, Chad has been plagued by unrest and civil war. There have been several coup d'état (and several more unsuccessful attempts).
A Very Short History of Chad
Image: © Alistair Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com.
Chad, formally known as Tchad, was the first of the four territories which had formed French Equatorial Africa, to achieve independence (11 August 1960). Find out more about the history of Chad with this brief two-part history.
Leaders of Chad Since Independence
Chad has been plagued over the years by political unrest and civil war. Tombalbaye, Chad's first president was assassinated in a military coup in 1975. His successor Malloum fled the country after a coup. The next president, Oueddei, was replaced by Habré, who in turn fled the country when Déby seized power.Find out more in this table of Chadian Leaders since Independence.
First President of Chad: N'Garta François Tombalbaye
François Tombalbaye (later N'Garta Tombalbaye) was teacher and trade unionist who rose to power in the latter days of French colonial rule in Chad. Tombalbaye became Chad's prime minister in 1959, and president when the country achieved independence in 1960. Tombalbaye's period in power was marked by harsh, dictatorial rule. He was assassinated during a coup d'état on 13 April 1975.Find out more in this biography of N'Garta François Tombalbaye, first president of Chad.
Chad Acronyms
A selection of acronyms which you may come across when investigating the history of Chad.Where in Africa is Chad?
Image: © Alistair Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com.
Simple map showing the location of Chad and its neighbors in Africa.
(This map is free for personal, non-commercial use.)
(This map is free for personal, non-commercial use.)
Path to Independence: Chad
Image: © Alistair Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com.
A map of Africa showing independence dates across the continent (and associated Island States) plus an outline of Chad's progress through colonialism to independence.
(This map is free for personal, non-commercial use.)
(This map is free for personal, non-commercial use.)
Political Map: Chad
Image: © Alistair Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com.
A political map of Chad showing cities and geographical features with are significant in its historical development. Also includes data about Chad's population, ethnicity, languages, religion, and government.
(This map is free for personal, non-commercial use.)
(This map is free for personal, non-commercial use.)
Outline Map: Chad
Image: © Alistair Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com.
An outline map of Chad, useful for school projects and reports (scale included). Basic information on the size of the country, its borders, and neighbors is provided.
(This map is free for personal, non-commercial use.)
(This map is free for personal, non-commercial use.)
