Map of Chad – Provinces, Cities, Borders & Geography
Explore Chad with this interactive map and guide to its provinces, major cities, desert landscapes, lakes and rivers. Chad is a large landlocked country in north-central Africa. Use the map to locate the capital, N'Djamena, understand the contrast between the Sahara and the greener south, and see how roads and settlements are distributed across the country.
Chad is a landlocked country in north-central Africa. Its capital is N'Djamena, near the Cameroon border. Chad borders Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger. It has 23 first-level administrative divisions, including the separately administered capital area.
Interactive Map of Chad
Zoom in to find regional capitals, towns, roads, rivers and desert landmarks. Zoom out to see Chad's position between North Africa, the Sahel and Central Africa.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Chad may appear as Tchad on the map, which is its French name.Where Is Chad Located?
Chad lies south of Libya and west of Sudan, with the Central African Republic to the south. Cameroon and Nigeria meet its southwestern edge, while Niger borders its west. Although the country has no sea coast, it spans a large area from the Sahara Desert to the more tropical landscapes of the south.
The capital, N'Djamena, occupies the southwestern part of the country near the Chari and Logone rivers. Long distances separate many settlements, especially across the lightly populated desert north. Chad's official languages are Arabic and French.
Chad's 23 Administrative Divisions
Chad has 23 first-level divisions, commonly described as provinces, with N'Djamena administered separately at the same level. Administrative names and English spellings can vary between maps. The following table helps identify their general positions and key places.
| Province or division | General location | Places and features |
|---|---|---|
| Barh el Gazel | West-central | Moussoro; Sahel landscapes |
| Batha | Central | Ati; dry plains |
| Borkou | Northern Sahara | Faya-Largeau; desert routes |
| Chari-Baguirmi | Southwest | Massenya; Chari basin |
| Ennedi Est | Northeast | Amdjarass; sandstone plateau |
| Ennedi Ouest | Northeast | Fada; Ennedi formations |
| Guéra | Central | Mongo; rocky hills |
| Hadjer-Lamis | West-central | Massakory; roads north of the capital |
| Kanem | West | Mao; Sahel region |
| Lac | Far west | Bol; Lake Chad shoreline |
| Logone Occidental | Southwest | Moundou; Logone River area |
| Logone Oriental | South | Doba; southern lowlands |
| Mandoul | South | Koumra; greener savannas |
| Mayo-Kebbi Est | Southwest | Bongor; river corridor |
| Mayo-Kebbi Ouest | Southwest | Pala; hills and farmland |
| Moyen-Chari | South | Sarh; Chari River |
| N'Djamena | Southwest | National capital; ChariâLogone confluence |
| Ouaddaï | East | Abéché; eastern trading routes |
| Salamat | Southeast | Am Timan; seasonal wetlands |
| Sila | East | Goz Beïda; eastern plains |
| Tandjilé | Southwest | Laï; agricultural lowlands |
| Tibesti | Far north | Bardaï; Tibesti Mountains |
| Wadi Fira | Northeast | Biltine; Sahel foothills |
Major Cities and Towns on the Map
N'Djamena is Chad's capital and largest urban centre, close to the Chari River and the frontier with Cameroon. Moundou is a major city in the southwest, while Sarh lies farther southeast near the Chari River. Abéché, in eastern Chad, is an established regional centre with historic trading connections.
Other useful places to find include Faya-Largeau in the northern desert, Ati in central Chad, Bol near Lake Chad and Mongo in the Guéra area. Zooming in reveals more local settlements; small villages may not appear on the initial view.
Deserts, Mountains, Rivers and Lakes
The Sahara Desert dominates northern Chad. The Tibesti Mountains rise near the Libyan border, with volcanic peaks including Emi Koussi, the country's highest mountain. To the northeast, the Ennedi Massif contains dramatic sandstone formations and important natural and cultural landscapes.
Farther south, dry Sahel landscapes gradually give way to savanna and river valleys. The Chari and Logone rivers are especially important around the southwest, feeding Lake Chad, whose size and shoreline vary substantially with water conditions. The desert Lakes of Ounianga are another notable geographical feature in northern Chad.
Roads, Airports and Getting Around
Road connections are concentrated around N'Djamena and the country's central and southern towns. Roads through remote desert and border areas can involve long distances, limited facilities and changing surface conditions. Seasonal rain may also affect access in the south. N'Djamena International Airport is the main international air gateway.
Use this map for geographical orientation, not as confirmation that a road, border crossing or route is safe or open. Check current government travel advice, local authorities and transport providers before arranging journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Chad?
N'Djamena is the capital, located in southwestern Chad near the Chari River and Cameroon.
Which countries border Chad?
Chad borders Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger.
How many provinces does Chad have?
Chad has 23 first-level administrative divisions, including N'Djamena's separately administered capital area.
Is Chad part of the Sahara Desert?
Yes. Northern Chad lies within the Sahara, while central areas form part of the Sahel and the south has more savanna and river landscapes.
Where is Lake Chad?
Lake Chad lies along Chad's western side, close to the borders with Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon. Its water extent changes over time.
Where are the Tibesti Mountains?
The Tibesti Mountains are in far northern Chad, near the border with Libya.
What are the Lakes of Ounianga?
They are a group of lakes in Chad's Sahara region, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their unusual desert lake environment.
Can I use the map to plan a drive?
The map can help identify settlements and roads, but conditions and access can change. Confirm a route using current local and official information.
About This Map
This interactive OpenStreetMap view provides a geographic overview of Chad, including towns, provincial locations and physical features. Zoom levels affect which details are visible, and mapped administrative lines or routes may not reflect the latest local changes.
Disclaimer: This map is for general reference only. Locations, boundaries and transport details may change. Verify important information with official sources.