Geography of Chad lake has shrunk dramatically in the last four decades due to increased water usage from an expanding population and low rainfall. Bordered by Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon, Lake Chad currently covers only 1350 square kilometers, down from 25,000 square kilometers in 1963. The Chari and Logone Rivers, both of which originate in the Central African Republic and flow northward, provide most of the surface water entering Lake Chad. Chad is also next to Niger. Located in north-central Africa, Chad stretches for about 1,800 kilometers from its northernmost point to its southern boundary. Except in the far northwest and south,
Rail transport in Chad Imperial expansionist policy known as Mittelafrika. In the 1950s a line through Chad from Port Sudan to Nigeria was proposed but opposed by Chad governmental organisations. In 1958 plans for a line from Cameroon the "Société Civile d'Études du Chemin de Fer Douala-Tchad" (SEDOT) was formed, and continued planning led to start of construction in 1964 - the line was constructed as far as Ngaoundéré in Cameroon (the Trans-Cameroon Railway, completed 1975.). Initial plans were for an extension to Moundou in Chad, but this was not completed. In 1959 a multinational agency, the "Agence Transéquatoriale des Communications" (ATEC) was formed