Chad Population 2026: 17.4M People, Vast Empty Land
Chad is a country with vast stretches of largely empty land: 17.4M people across 1,284,000 km², giving a density of 14/km².
GDP per capita stands at $678: among the lower-income economies globally. The capital, N'Djamena, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Chad's Population
With a population of 17.4M, Chad is home to a significant number of people within its 1,284,000 km² of territory. The population density of 14/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a low density suggesting significant open space and rural areas across the country.
The capital city, N'Djamena, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Chad. As a landlocked country, Chad's population is distributed entirely across its inland territory, without access to a coastline. This has historically shaped trade patterns and economic development.
In economic terms, Chad has a total GDP of $11.8B, translating to $678 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).
Chad gained independence in 1960 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official languages are French / Arabic, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Central Africa region, Chad sits alongside Cameroon (27.9M), Central African Republic (5.5M), Republic of the Congo (5.8M). This regional context helps illustrate how Chad's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chad's Population
What is the population of Chad in 2026?
The population of Chad is approximately 17.4M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Chad?
The capital city of Chad is N'Djamena, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Chad?
Chad has a population density of 14/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Chad?
Chad has a GDP per capita of $678, with a total GDP of $11.8B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Chad?
The official languages of Chad are French / Arabic.
How big is Chad?
Chad covers a total area of 1,284,000 km². With a population of 17.4M, that gives a density of 14/km².
When did Chad gain independence?
Chad gained independence in 1960.
What currency is used in Chad?
The official currency of Chad is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).
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