Flags, Symbols & Currency of Chad
The National Flag of Chad was officially adopted on November 6, 1959.
The National Flag of Chad features three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and red. The flag combines the blue and red French (former colonial) colors with the red and yellow (gold) of the Pan-African colors. The blue color represents the sky, the well-watered southern part of the country and also symbolizes hope. The golden yellow color represents the sun, as well as the desert in the northern of the country. The red color represents progress, prosperity, and unity. It also symbolizes the bloodshed for independence. The flag has a width-to-length proportion ratio of 2:3.
History of the Flag of Chad
The first flag to represent the region of Chad was the Flag of Kanem in 1339. This flag was succeeded by the Flag of Bornu in 1439. From 1900-1959, when Chad became a French Colony, it was represented by the French Tricolore. The current flag of Chad came into use when Chad became independent in 1959.
Historical and Other Flags of Chad
Flag of French Equatorial Africa
Symbols of Chad
The National Coat of Arms of Chad
The current official Coat of Arms of Chad was adopted in 1970. It is composed of a central shield supported by a goat and lion. The shield consists of jagged blue and yellow wavy lines, and a sun rises above the shield. The jagged blue and yellow wavy lines represent Lake Chad and the rising sun symbolizes a new beginning. The gold is a representative of the nation’s northern part while the lion is a representative of the nation’s southern part. Displayed below the shield are a medal – symbolizing the National Order of Chad; and a scroll bearing the National Motto: Unité, Travail, Progrès ("Unity, Work, Progress"). The goat and the lion as well as the scroll bear a red arrow which is pointed upwards.
National Motto
Unité, Travail, Progrès ("Unity, Work, Progress")
National Anthem
- Anthem Title: "La Tchadienne" ("Song of the Chadian")
- Music Composer: Paul Villard
- Lyricist: Louis Gidrol and his group of students
- Date of Adoption: January 1960
"La Tchadienne" ("Song of the Chadian") is the national anthem of Chad. The muisc of the anthem have been composed by Paul Villard. The lyrics of the anthem have been written by Louis Gidrol and his group of students. The anthem was officially adopted in January 1960.
"La Tchadienne" (French)
Peuple Tchadien, debout et à l'ouvrage !
Tu as conquis la terre et ton droit ;
Ta liberté naîtra de ton courage.
Lève les yeux, l'avenir est à Toi.
Ô mon Pays, que Dieu te prenne en garde,
Que tes voisins admirent tes enfants.
Joyeux, pacifique, avance en chantant,
Fidèle à tes anciens qui te regardent.
Peuple Tchadien, debout et à l'ouvrage !
Tu as conquis la terre et ton droit ;
Ta liberté naîtra de ton courage.
Lève les yeux, l'avenir est à Toi.
"Song of the Chadian"
People of Chad, arise and to work!
You have conquered the soil and won your rights;
Your freedom will be born of your courage.
Lift up your eyes, the future is yours.
O my Country, may God protect you,
May your neighbors admire your children.
Joyful, peaceful, advance as you sing,
Faithful to your fathers who are watching you.
People of Chad, arise and to work!
You have conquered the soil and won your rights;
Your freedom will be born of your courage.
Lift up your eyes, the future is yours.
The Currency of Chad is the Central African CFA Franc
The current official currency of Chad is the Central African CFA franc. The smallest unit of the franc is 100 centimes.
The currency is also used by other nations in the central part of Africa like Gabon, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Guinea, and the Congo. Both the CFA francs of West Africa and Central Africa are in use and valued equally, but each are circulated in their respective block.
Coins
Currently, denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 CFA coins are in circulation.
Banknotes
Upon the introduction of the CFA franc, notes of different denominations have been circulated. Since the year 1993, CFA Central African notes are issued bearing a distinctive letter to differentiate the issuance by every nation. Banknotes range in size from 500 francs to 10,000 francs.
Central African CFA Franc Banknote
Central African CFA Franc Coin
Historical currencies of Chad
The introduction of CFA franc took place under the rule of France in the year 1945. It was intended to succeed the French Equatorial African franc. Most countries have continued to use the Central African CFA francs following independence. The West African francs and Central African francs are used interchangeably with one another.
French Equatorial African franc Banknote
French Equatorial African franc Coin
