Chad's neighbor (8) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CAMEROON
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Chad's Neighbor
- CAMEROON is the answer to this geography-based crossword clue asking for Chad's neighbor with 8 letters.
- Cameroon shares its northeastern border with Chad, making it one of six countries that border the Central African nation.
- This West-Central African country is known for its diverse geography, ranging from coastal beaches to dense rainforests and volcanic mountains.
Why CAMEROON Fits This Clue
- The Republic of Cameroon borders Chad along a 1,116-kilometer (694-mile) boundary that runs through diverse terrain including Lake Chad in the north.
- This geographical relationship makes Cameroon a common answer for crossword puzzles asking about Chad's neighboring countries.
- With exactly 8 letters, CAMEROON fits perfectly into standard crossword grids and is the only 8-letter nation bordering Chad.
Tips for Solving Geography Crossword Clues
- Study border countries: Memorize which nations share borders, especially in Africa where political boundaries may be less familiar to Western solvers.
- Count letters first: Eliminate options that don't match the required letter count before considering geographical accuracy.
- Look for crossing letters: Use intersecting words to confirm vowels and consonants, especially the double-O in CAMEROON.
- Consider alternate spellings: Some countries have variant spellings, but Cameroon is consistently spelled one way in English.
- Think regionally: When you see "Chad" in a clue, focus on Central/West African nations rather than searching globally.
Chad's neighbor (8) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What other ways might this clue be worded?
A: Variations include "Country west of Chad," "Chad's southwestern neighbor," "Lake Chad sharer," or "Central African nation (8)."
Q: Could CAMEROUN be accepted?
A: No, the French spelling "Cameroun" has 8 letters but uses different letters. Standard English crosswords use CAMEROON.
Q: What's the best way to remember Chad's neighbors?
A: Use the mnemonic "Lucy's Snakes Never Come Naturally" for Libya, Sudan, Niger, CAR (Central African Republic), Nigeria, and Cameroon moving clockwise.
Q: Are there other 8-letter African countries?
A: Yes, including BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE, and TANZANIA, but none border Chad.
Q: Why do crosswords favor certain countries?
A: Letter count, recognizable names, and geographical relationships that create clear clues make countries like Cameroon crossword-friendly.
