Progress between Yellow Desert to Blue Sea Quiz

Answer: Lake

Chad is named after Lake Chad, which is the largest lake in the Chad Basin and the second-largest in Africa. The lake is a significant geographical feature in the region, providing water for irrigation, fishing, and other economic activities. The name "Chad" is derived from the Kanuri word "tsade" which means "large expanse of water".

Though Lake Chad is a vital body of water in Africa, its size has diminished significantly over the years due to various environmental and human factors. It used to cover an area of about 25,000 square kilometers. Due to drought, overuse of water resources, and other factors, its size has decreased drastically during the latter half of the 20th century. Some estimates put the loss of surface area of the lake at around 90%!

There have been efforts by international organizations and local governments to address the challenges facing Lake Chad. Projects aimed at sustainable water management, conservation of wetlands, and promoting alternative livelihoods for communities have been implemented to mitigate the effects of environmental degradation. Nevertheless, Lake Chad is a crucial source of water for the local people and its waters continue to be drained.

Answer: Track and field

From the Olympic Games in Tokyo 1964 to the ones in Tokyo 2020, Chad sent athletes to every event save the ones in Montreal 1976 and Moscow 1980, which were both boycotted. They did not send any athletes to any of the Winter Olympic Games through to Beijing 2022.

When Chadian athletes made their debut in 1964, there were two athletes sent. One was Ahmed Issa, a sprinter who competed in the 800m. He managed to come in second in his heat in the qualifying round but only 5th in the semifinal. The other was Mahamat Idriss, a high jumper. He made it out of the qualifying round and came in 9th overall in the event.

Chad's participation in the Olympics reflects its commitment to sports despite facing challenges such as limited resources and infrastructure. The presence of Chadian athletes on the Olympic stage serves as an inspiration and source of pride for the nation, showcasing their talent, determination, and dedication to representing Chad on the global sporting stage.

Of the incorrect answers, none of them were Olympic events in 1964. All three of them, triathlon, taekwondo, and trampoline gymnastics as well, made their debut in Sydney 2000.

Answer: Romania

The flag of Chad features vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and red, with the blue next to the flagpole. Chad adopted its current flag on November 6, 1959, shortly before gaining independence from France on August 11, 1960. The flag design was influenced by the Pan-African colours and the flag of France, the former colonial power. The blue stripe represents the sky and hope, the yellow stripe symbolizes the sun and desert sands, and the red stripe represents the bloodshed in the struggle for independence and unity.

The national flag of Chad is virtually identical to Romania's flag (with a slight variation on the colour of blue used), which actually predates the flag of Chad. At the time, Romania was using the tricolor flag with a coat of arms on it. When the communist regime of Romania was removed, the country reverted back to their tricolor making the two flags identical. In the past, Chad has, in fact, lodged a formal complaint at the United Nations over this.

Incidentally, the flag pictured is a Romanian one.

Answer: Camel racing

The Toubou tribe is one of the prominent ethnic groups in Chad, known for their nomadic lifestyle, resilience, and deep connection to the Saharan desert environment. They are traditionally camel herders and have a rich cultural heritage that revolves around their semi-nomadic way of life.

Camel racing holds significance among the Toubou people as it is deeply embedded in their cultural practices and traditions. Camels are highly prized animals among the Toubou, serving as not only a means of transportation but also as a source of food, milk, and leather. For the Toubou, camel racing is more than just a sport; it is a celebration of their heritage and a display of their skill in animal husbandry. Races often take place during cultural festivals and gatherings, where Toubou tribes from different regions come together to compete and showcase their best camels.

These races serve as a form of social bonding and friendly competition among the Toubou, reinforcing their sense of identity and unity as a tribe. Additionally, camel racing allows the Toubou to demonstrate their expertise in handling and training camels, which are essential for their survival in the harsh desert environment.

Answer: Trumpet

The Waza is a trumpet-like instrument used by the Kotoko people, who primarily reside in the Lake Chad Basin region, including parts of Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger. The Kakaki, on the other hand, is a type of trumpet commonly associated with the Kanuri people, who are found primarily in northeastern Nigeria, southeastern Niger, and western Chad. While both are used ceremoniously, there are some differences between the two instruments.

The Kakaki is a large, elongated trumpet made of metal, often brass or bronze, and it is traditionally played on ceremonial occasions and during important events such as royal processions, weddings, and religious ceremonies. It produces a deep, resonant sound that is distinctive and recognizable, making it an integral part of Kanuri cultural expression. The Waza is made from the hollowed-out horn of an animal, typically a cow or antelope. The Waza produces a unique sound that is different from the deep, resonant tone of the Kakaki.

Both instruments play important roles in their respective cultural contexts, serving as symbols of cultural identity, communal pride, and artistic expression. They contribute to the rich tapestry of musical traditions found in Chad and the broader Lake Chad Basin region.

Answer: Porridge

Boule is a traditional dish in Chad and other parts of West Africa, particularly among the Sara ethnic group. It is a type of porridge made from millet or sorghum flour in the south of the country, and from maize in the north. These are both staple grains in their respective regions. Boule is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be served as a main meal or accompaniment to other dishes.

To prepare boule, the ground grains are mixed with water to form a thick paste, which is then cooked over low heat until it reaches a smooth and slightly gelatinous consistency. The cooking process may vary depending on regional preferences, with some adding additional ingredients such as peanut butter, milk, or spices for flavor. Once cooked, boule is typically served hot and can be eaten with various accompaniments such as sauces, stews, or grilled meat. It is often enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, providing a filling and satisfying meal for individuals and families.

Boule is not only a staple food in Chad but also holds cultural significance, serving as a symbol of hospitality, community, and tradition. It is commonly shared among family members and guests during social gatherings, ceremonies, and festive occasions, reinforcing bonds and traditions within Chadian society.

A point of etiquette: in Chad, it is frowned upon and often insulting to your host if you refuse offered food.

Answer: Elephants

Zakouma National Park is one of Chad's most prominent and significant protected areas, renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. It is located in southeastern Chad and covers an area of approximately 3000 square kilometers.

Zakouma National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, and various species of antelope. Moreover, the park is particularly known for its large elephant herds, some of the last remaining in Central Africa. It plays a crucial role in the conservation of wildlife in Chad and the broader region, especially of these iconic creatures that once roamed the entire continent in large herds.

In 2006, there was a tragic elephant slaughter that occurred in Zakouma National Park. A a significant number of elephants were killed by poachers. The incident highlighted the severity of the poaching crisis facing African elephants and raised concerns about the effectiveness of conservation efforts in protecting these iconic animals. Since then, major efforts have been made to crack down on poaching, in Chad and in Central Africa.

Answer: N'Jimi

All of the answers were cities within the Kanem Empire that lie within current-day Chad. Of these, the capital of the Kanem Empire was N'Jimi, a site which is located near the modern town of Mao in the Lake Chad Basin region. While the current capital of Chad, N'Djamena, and N'Jimi share a similar name, this is purely coincidental.

The name N'Djamena comes from the Arabic word 'injamina', which means "place of rest". On the other hand, N'Jimi came from the Kanem language which predated Arabic.

While much of N'Jimi has been reclaimed by the desert and remains buried beneath the sands, archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of ancient structures, including earthen walls, residential compounds, and tombs. These archaeological remains provide valuable insights into the layout and organization of the ancient city, as well as the daily life of its inhabitants.

In addition to N'Jimi, other archaeological sites associated with the Kanem Empire can be found throughout the Lake Chad Basin region. These include ancient settlements, burial sites, and ceremonial complexes that offer further opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Answer: Over 200

Chad is a culturally diverse country with over 200 ethnic groups, each with its own traditions, languages, and cultural practices. The diversity of Chad is reflected in its people, who come from various ethnic backgrounds and regions, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. The largest ethnic groups in Chad include the Sara, Arab, Kanembu, Kanuri, and Fulani, among others. These groups have distinct languages, customs, and social structures.

In terms of religion, Chad is predominantly Muslim, with Islam practiced by the majority of the population. However, there are also significant Christian and animist communities, particularly in the southern regions of the country.

Chad's diversity is a source of its strength, but also can be a source of friction. Problems relating to ethnic tensions, social cohesion, and inclusion are all challenges for the people of Chad. Fostering unity and understanding has been a long-standing goal of the different governments of Chad.

Answer: Gold

Chad is endowed with various natural resources, which play significant roles in its economy and development. Three of the most abundant and important are gold, crude oil, and uranium. Due to the rampant corruption in the country, the national poverty level is really high. In fact, in 2008, Forbes ranked Chad as the seventh-poorest country in the world.

Chad has substantial oil reserves, particularly in the Doba Basin located in the southern part of the country. Oil production began in Chad in the early 2000s, with the development of major oilfields such as the Komé and Bolobo fields. Oil exports contribute significantly to Chad's economy.

Gold mining in Chad is primarily conducted by artisanal and small-scale miners, with limited industrial mining activities. The country has significant gold deposits, particularly in the Tibesti and Ennedi regions in the northern part of Chad, as well as in the Mayo-Kebbi region in the south. The north also has sizeable uranium deposits.

Chad faces challenges in terms of infrastructure, including transportation networks, energy supply, and logistical support, which are essential for the development of a mining industry. Chad's legal and regulatory framework for mining is still evolving, and there may be uncertainties regarding the rights, obligations, and procedures for exploration and exploitation of resources.