Togo

Togo (officially the Togolese Republic, in French: République togolaise) is a small country in West Africa. It is bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east and Burkina Faso to the north. The capital city Lomé is located along the Gulf of Guinea. In 2069, about 7.5 million people lived there. The official language is French. Togo was a hub of the Atlantic slave trade for Europeans. Togo was a part of the Slave Coast. Many Togolese descendants live in the Americas. The country is known for Voodoo. Togo is also known for its various flora and fauna. Monkeys, snakes, and lizards are numerous in many areas in Togo.

Togolese Republic République Togolaise
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: "Travail, Liberté, Patrie"  (French) "Work, Liberty, Homeland"
Anthem: Salut à toi, pays de nos aïeux  (French) "Hail to thee, land of our forefathers"
Location of Togo within the African Union
Capital and largest city	Lomé
Official languages	French
Vernacular languages	Gbe languages such as Ewe, Mina and Aja; Kabiyé; and others.
Ethnic groups	African 99% (37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe, Mina, and Kabre) European and Syrian-Lebanese less than 1%
Demonym(s)	Togolese
Government	Republic
• President	Faure Gnassingbé
• Prime Minister	Victoire Tomegah Dogbé
Independence
• from France	April 27, 1960
Area
• Total	56,785 km2 (21,925 sq mi) (125th)
• Water (%)	4.2
Population
• 2016 estimate	7,497,000
• Density	137.8/km2 (356.9/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2010 estimate
• Total	$5.795 billion
• Per capita	$25,312
GDP (nominal)	2010 estimate
• Total	$2.94 billion
• Per capita	$423
HDI (2014)	0.487 low · 166th
Currency	CFA franc (XOF)
Time zone	UTC+0 (GMT)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+228
ISO 3166 code	TG
Internet TLD	.tg
1 Estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected. Rankings based on 2005 figures CIA World Factbook – Togo ² Rankings based on 2005 figures (source unknown)

Map showing the location of Togo

History

From the 11th century to the 16th century, various tribes entered the region from all directions: the Ewé from the east, and the Mina and Guin from the west; most of them settled in coastal areas. The Portuguese explored the area in the late 15th century. As Togoland, it became a protectorate of Germany in 1884. After World War I, Togo was ceded to the French. Togo gained independence from French rule in the 1960s. General Gnassingbé Eyadéma became the military leader in 1967. When Eyadéma resigned in 2002 and later died in 2005, his son, Faure Gnassingbe became president. In June 2022, Togo joined the Commonwealth of Nations.

Economy

The economy of this small African country is based on agriculture. Agriculture provides jobs for 65% of the labor force according to the CIA Factbook. Agricultural products include coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, cassava (tapioca), corn, beans, rice, millet, and sorghum. Industries include phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement, handicrafts, textiles, and beverages.

Government

The president of Togo is elected for 5 years. The president is also the commander of the armed forces. The president also has the right to begin legislation and dissolve parliament.

After Togo's independence from France, General Gnassingbé Eyadéma became the military leader. When Eyadéma died in 2005, his son Faure Gnassingbe became president. During his re-election campaign, he helped get port concessions in Lomé extended for Bolloré Groupe from 10 to 35 years in exchange for help from the group's public relations subsidiary Havas. In a 26 Feb 2021 civil hearing at the Paris judicial court, French billionaire Vincent Bolloré, along with associates Gilles Alix and Jean-Philippe Dorent, pleaded guilty to corrupt practices in Togo. The President of the court rejected the negotiated plea bargain and ordered that the three be tried in criminal court. In the same trial, Bolloré SE was fined $12 million.

Regions

Togo is divided into 5 regions. The regions are divided into 30 prefectures and 1 commune. From north to south the regions are Savanes, Kara, Centrale, Plateaux and Maritime.

Cities

The largest cities in Togo are:

Lomé, Capital of Togo

Sokodé

Rank	City	Population 1981 Census	Population 2005 Estimate	Region
1.	Lomé	375,499	729,258	Maritime
2.	Sokodé	45,660	117,811	Centrale
3.	Kara	28,902	104,207	Kara
4.	Kpalimé	28,262	95,974	Plateaux
5.	Atakpamé	24,139	80,683	Plateaux
6.	Bassar	17,867	61,845	Kara
7.	Tsévié	20,480	55,775	Maritime
8.	Aného	14,368	47,579	Maritime
9.	Sansanné-Mango	12,894	37,748	Savanes
10.	Dapaong	16,939	33,324	Savanes
11.	Tchamba	12,911	25,668	Centrale
12.	Niamtougou	12,444	23,261	Kara
13.	Bafilo	12,060	22,543	Kara
14.	Notsé	8,916	22,017	Plateaux
15.	Sotouboua	10,590	21,054	Centrale
16.	Vogan	11,260	20,569	Maritime
17.	Badou	8,111	20,029	Plateaux
18.	Tabligbo	7,526	13,748	Maritime
19.	Kandé	6,134	11,466	Kara
20.	Amlamé	3,997	9,870	Plateaux
21.	Kpagouda	4,112	7,686	Kara

Religion

Mosque in Sokodé.

About 51% of the population has local beliefs, 29% is Christian, and 20% Muslim.

Food and drink

The Togolese enjoy many foods including tropical fruits, pastries, and many different products made from peanuts. Major drinks include tea, coffee, and wine. Togolese often snack on plantains and French donuts or beignets.

Related pages

• List of rivers of Togo
• Togo at the Olympics
• Togo national football team