Although religion is a source of division in society, Chad is a secular state, and freedom of religion is generally respected. Women's rights are protected neither by traditional law nor the penal code. Female genital mutilation is commonplace. The literacy rate for women is very low, and few educational opportunities are available, especially in rural areas. Workers' right to organize and to strike is generally respected, but the formal economy is small.
Union membership is low.
Most Chadians are subsistence farmers.