Moyen-Chari is one of the 18 regions of Chad (Decree N° 419/PR/MAT/02), and its capital is Sarh.

Sarh (formerly Fort Archambault) is the largest city in southern Chad, the capital of Moyen-Chari region and the department of Barh Köh. It has a population of 75,496 (as of 1993) and lies 350 miles south-east of the capital Ndjamena on the Chari River. Sarh was founded under the French for returnees from the labour camps associated with the construction of the Congo-Ocean Railway. It is now a major transport hub and centre for the cotton industry, also known for its nightlife. Attractions in the city include the Sarh National Museum, while it is also home to an airport (IATA airport code SRH).

 Education

Sarh is home to several educational institutions including, since 1997, a tertiary college.

 Twin towns

Sarh has been twinned with the town of Cherbourg-Octeville in France since November 2001.

Demography

The main ethnic group of Moyen-Chari Region  are the Sara. The Sara people are the largest ethnic group in Chad and include the Ngambaye, Mbaye, and Goulaye. They are Christian/animist and reside mostly in the far south of the country. The Sara were seriously affected by many centuries of Arab slavery. It was this threat that led to Sara women wearing lip-plates in order to make themselves less attractive to slavers. Later, during French rule, many Sara were forced to help build the Congo-Ocean railway. The French also forced the Sara to grow cotton in order to pay taxes. Many Sara, however, benefitted from French education and they now occupy most civil service positions in Chad, as well as many mid-level positions in the military.

Subdivisions

The region of Moyen-Chari is divided in 3 departments: Barh Köh, Grande Sido and Lac Iro.

Economy

The region’s economy is economy is based on subsistence agriculture, breeding, cotton and sugarcane.