Chad
Statistics
| Region | Africa |
| Capital | N'Djaména |
| Area | 1.3 million sq km |
| Population | 10,329,208 (est July 2009) |
| Languages | Arabic (official), French, Sara (south) |
| Religions | animist, Catholic, Muslim, Protestant |
| Life expectancy | 47.7 |
Placed in the centre of the northern half of the continent, Chad is characterised by the hot dryness commonly associated with northern Africa. Lake Chad, in the south, is the life-centre of the country, supporting 20 million people on its banks and floodplains. The lake's size has been reduced by up to 95 per cent in the last 35 years, probably through a combination of overuse and climate change.
Chad is considered to be one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world, largely as a result of the civil war and rebellions that have raged since its independence in 1960.
BMS World Mission, recognising the need for the provision of education and healthcare in Chad, is partnering with another charity to support a hospital near the capital.
In 2010, Andrea and Mark Hotchkin ( along with their children Ruth and Rebecca) moved to N'Djamena, the capital of Chad where they have set up a new hospital that shares the experience of life in Jesus. They were joined by Rebecca North in September, 2011, who has gone to work as a nurse in the new hospital.