Ouaddaï is one of the 18 regions of Chad (Decrees N° 415/PR/MAT/02 and 419/PR/MAT/02), and its capital is Abéché which is he 4th largest city in the country. It has a population of 54,628 (as of 1993). The city was the capital of the Ouaddai Kingdom until France took power. At that time, it was the largest city in Chad with 28,000 people, however major epidemics reduced the population to 6000 in 1919. Today, the city is known for its markets, two mosques, church, square (the Place de l'Indépendance) and for its sultan's palace. Abéché also has a school, post office and hospital. There is also a small airport just outside the city with flights to N'Djaména.

 The region is composed by the former Ouaddaï Prefecture. Its main ethnic groups are the Arabs and the Maba. The economy is based on subsistence agriculture and breeding. The region's present governor is Mahmat Nimir Hamata, who in February 2006 took the place of Danyo Ndokédi.

Subdivisions

The region of Ouaddaï is divided in 4 departments: Assoungha, Djourf Al Ahmar, Ouara and Sila.