Climate and clothing: Except for the rainy season (June-September), the climate is similar to Arizona's. Summer clothing is suitable for N'Djamena; sweaters or light coats are necessary for comfort in the evenings during the cool season (November-February).

Customs: Visas are required for entry.

Health: Health facilities are extremely limited. Local pharmacies stock mainly French medicines at high prices, and the selection is limited. The sanitation level is low. Insects and rats are ever-present problems, along with rabies. Vegetables to be eaten raw should be washed in a Clorox or permanganate solution, and tapwater should be boiled for 20 minutes before drinking. Malaria suppressant drugs should be started 2 weeks prior to arrival and continued until 6 weeks after departure; they should be taken throughout the year. Gamma-globulin shots are recommended. Yellow fever vaccinations are required. Health requirements change; check most recent information.

Telecommunications: Long-distance telephone service to Europe, the United States, and the rest of the world is reliable. There is direct-dialing to France and neighboring African countries. Worldwide telegraphic service is available.

Transportation: N'Djamena's International Airport is served by two weekly passenger flights on the route Paris-N'Djamena-Bangui- Brazzaville return. There is one weekly flight in the route Dakar- Nouakchott-Niamey-N'Djamena-Jedda and return. In addition, there is one weekly flight from Khartoum to N'Djamena and return. Air Chad has regular service from N'Djamena to Moundou, Sarh, Bol, Mao, and Abeche. During the dry season, road travel is possible throughout most of the country by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Taxis are available in N'Djamena but must be shared with other passengers. Rental cars are available but expensive.

Tourist attractions: Douguia lodge and resort), about 4O miles north of N'Djamena. The game park at Waza, in nearby Cameroon, remains a popular attraction.

National holidays: Business establishments and the US Embassy may be closed on the following Chadian holidays:

New Year's Day, January 1; Easter Monday, varies; Labor Day, May 1; African Liberation Day, May 25; National Liberation Day, June 7; Id al-Fitr (lunar) Independence Day, August 11; Id al-Adha (lunar) All Saints' Day, November 1; Proclamation of the Republic, November 28; Maouloud al-Aid (lunar) Christmas Day, December 25.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, August 1988.