Chad
Country statistics · 1990–present
Chad at a Glance
Chad is home to 20.3 million people as of 2024, with a population that is growing very rapidly. At a GDP per capita of $1,475, it is a low-income economy — reflecting an economy where significant development opportunity remains. Life expectancy at birth stands at 55.2 years, well below the global average, reflecting ongoing public health challenges.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 20.3 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 43.3 and a death rate of 11.1 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at 32.2 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly 653,000 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Chad is a small economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $31 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $1,475 per person, it is classified as a low-income economy — reflecting an economy where significant development opportunity remains. Real GDP growth is projected at 5.1% in 2029, representing solid growth.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 55.2 years (2024), well below the global average, reflecting ongoing public health challenges. Current health expenditure per person is $47 (2023), representing very low per-capita healthcare spending, a common constraint in lower-income economies. The adult literacy rate stands at 30.6% (2019), reflecting literacy rates that remain a key development focus. 12.6% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating limited internet penetration, with significant scope for digital expansion. Access to safe drinking water reaches 6.3% of the population (2024), representing limited safe drinking water access, a significant public health priority.