Overview of Togo

Profile

Togo is small nation in central West Africa, bordered by Burkina Faso to north, Ghana to west, Benin to east, and Gulf of Guinea to south. Agriculture is main industry, with mineral resources like phosphate supporting economy. Official language is French, but diverse ethnic languages used daily. Capital Lomé developed as trading port, becoming one of West Africa's leading hub port cities.

Official name: Togolese Republic
Common name: Togo
Numeric code: 768
Alpha-3 code: TGO
Alpha-2 code: TG
Population: 8.8 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 155
Primary languages: French, Ewe, Kabiye
Major religions: Christianity, Traditional Religions, Islam
National anthem: Salut à toi, pays de nos aïeux
Calling code: +228
Internet TLD: .tg

History

After WWI passed through French trusteeship, gained independence in 1960. Eyadéma family seized power from 1967, influence continues today.

Called 'Slave Coast' as center of slave trade from 16th to 18th centuries. Became German Protectorate of Togoland in 1884, transferred to French Mandate Territory after WWI. After independence on April 27, 1960, politics swayed by coups and one-party rule. Gnassingbé Eyadéma seized power in 1967 military coup, ruling for approximately 40 years. His son Faure Gnassingbé inherited power in 2005, continuing long-term regime through constitutional amendments to present.

Geography & climate

Elongated territory approximately 510km north-south, narrowest 45km. South coastal lagoons and low-lying wetlands, central Atakora Mountains gently running, north savanna plateau spreading.

Tropical savanna climate (Aw) with somewhat dry coastal area

Area: Africa / 56600 km²
Capital: Lomé
Largest city: Lomé
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso

Natural resources

Phosphate, Limestone, Marble, River gold, Iron ore, Forest resources, Shea nuts, Hydropower, Fishery resources, Fertile alluvial soil

Politics

Government: Republic (Parliamentary republic with executive power concentrated in Prime Minister after semi-presidential system)

Economy

Currency: CFA Franc (BCEAO) (XOF)

GDP (nominal): 9.3 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 21.2 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French, Ewe, Kabiye

Time zone: GMT

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Ewe, Kabiye, Gourma, Tem, Akan-related Mina, Mossi, Fulbe

Life expectancy

62.2

Literacy rate

66.5

National sports

Football, Futsal, Athletics, Wrestling (traditional martial art Evala), Basketball