Chad Rate of Natural Increase

Chad’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth rate and crude death rate—remains among the highest in the world, reflecting the country's youthful population and high fertility rates. As of recent estimates, Chad's RNI is approximately 2.8% per year, indicating rapid population growth. This rate is comparable to neighboring Niger, which has one of the highest RNIs globally, often exceeding 3%, due to even higher fertility rates. In contrast, Chad’s RNI is higher than that of Cameroon and Nigeria, whose RNIs are closer to 2.5% and 2.4%, respectively, reflecting slightly lower birth rates and improved health outcomes. Meanwhile, Sudan and the Central African Republic have lower RNIs, around 2% or less, due to a combination of lower fertility and, in some cases, higher mortality related to conflict or health challenges. Overall, Chad’s RNI underscores significant demographic momentum, which presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of resource allocation, education, and healthcare compared to its neighbors.

Data from US Census International Database