As per the 2009 Chadian census, the region has a population of 721,166.[1] The main ethnolinguistic groups are the Assangori, Baggara (generally speakers of Chadian Arabic), Dar Sila Daju, Kajakse, Karanga, Kendeje, Maba (including the Marfa sub-group), Mararit, Masalit and Surbakhal.[4]