Landlocked in central Africa, Chad, with a population of about 7 million, is one of the poorest countries in the world. Its per capita GNP (gross national product) was about $230 in 1997. Agriculture generates about 40 percent of gross domestic product and provides a meager livelihood for over 80 percent of the population. Livestock in the Sahel and cotton in the Sudanian area are the main agricultural activities and Chad's main exports.

Food production varies widely with seasonal conditions. Chad is also endowed with important, but to date untapped, natural resources. The industrial sector accounts for nearly 20 percent of GDP and is dominated by Coton-Tchad, the country's largest public sector company, which processes and exports cotton.

Chad is also plagued by human right issue and political instability since about 20 years. A certain form of stability has been established under President I. Déby regime. The contrast both in population density, religions and economy between the South and the North is still an issue of national governance.

Interests of Chad in the oil projects – Several questions

• What will be the macro-economic impact of this development ?
• Will it cover the downstream needs of Chad in fuel consumption?
• Will the regional interest of Doba/Sahr, Logone and Massenya regions properly covered ?
• Are the conditions set by World Bank and IMF acceptable ?
• Are the links between Cameroon and Chad economies strong and lasting ?
• Will the project conflict with the management of natural reserves or another protection perimeters ?
• What is the present activities of NGOs and their influences ?