Chad's 98 departements constitute the second and lowest administrative level in the country's territorial organization. These subdivisions serve as the primary units for local governance and public administration, implementing national policies and delivering essential government services to communities across Chad's diverse regions. Departements function as intermediaries between the central government and local populations, managing civil registration, tax collection, basic infrastructure maintenance, and coordination of public services such as education and healthcare. Each departement is typically headed by a prefect appointed by the central government, who oversees administrative operations and ensures compliance with national directives. This administrative structure enables the government to maintain administrative presence and provide services throughout Chad's vast territory, which spans multiple climate zones from the Sahara Desert in the north to the Sudanian Savanna in the south.