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CommunityWWW.MSINGIAFRIKAMAGAZINE.COM | we tell the true afrikan story 44country.1. A Hub for World-Class Camel RacingIn the remote Tibesti Mountains in northern Chad, you%u2019ll find some of the finest camel racing on Earth. These rugged highlands%u2014whose name means %u201cthe place where mountain people live%u201d%u2014are home to the Toubou people, a proud nomadic ethnic group.Camel racing events, usually held in the early mornings, are a thrilling spectacle and an integral part of local culture. While still underrecognized globally, the region has produced elite camel racers who deserve wider acclaim.2. %u201cThe Babel Tower of the World%u201dChad is often referred to as %u201cThe Babel Tower of the World%u201d due to its extraordinary cultural and linguistic diversity. More than 200 ethnic groups and over 100 languages coexist within the country%u2019s borders.Arabic and French are the official languages, a legacy of colonization, but dozens of indigenous languages are spoken daily. This cultural mosaic makes Chad one of Africa%u2019s most ethnolinguistically diverse nations.3. National Symbols: The Goat and the LionChad%u2019s coat of arms, adopted in 1970, features two symbolic animals: the mountain goat (representing the north) and the lion (representing the south). They stand on either side of a blue-and-yellow shield, topped by a rising red sun.Beneath the shield is a scroll inscribed with the national motto in French: Unit%u00e9, Travail, Progr%u00e8s%u2014translated into English as %u201cUnity, Work, Progress.%u201d4. Lake Chad: The Country%u2019s NamesakeChad derives its name from Lake Chad, one of Africa%u2019s most important freshwater lakes. Though the lake has shrunk by about 95% since 1963 due to climate change and overuse, it remains a crucial resource for water, fishing, and farming.Lake Chad is the second-largest wetland in Africa and touches the borders of Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger. It plays a key role in regional ecology and livelihood.5. Crude Oil Fuels the EconomySince 2003, crude oil has become the backbone of Chad%u2019s economy. Before the oil boom, cotton was the country%u2019s primary export.The oil sector has driven major infrastructure developments, including a 1,070 km pipeline from the Doba oil fields to the port of Kribi in Cameroon. Chad currently produces around 94,000 barrels of crude oil per day.6. A Giant on the Global MapChad ranks as the 21st largest country in the world by land area. It accounts for about 0.85% of the Earth%u2019s total landmass. While smaller than Peru, it is larger than South Africa, making it a significant territorial presence in Africa.7. Rich in Untapped Mineral Wealth