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In the 16th century the slave trade began in this part of Africa, and for the next two hundred years this coastal region was a major trading center for Europeans in search of slaves.
Subsequently, Togo and the surrounding region was referred to as the "Slave Coast," and that terrible stigma remains to this day.
In 1905, Toga became the German colony of Togoland, but after Germany was defeated during World War I, British and French factions soon administered this land.
In 1959, Togo became an autonomous republic within the French Union, and in 1960, French Togoland gained its independence from France.
Seven years later, Gen. Gnassingbe Eyadema was named president following a successful military coup; he continued to rule well into the 21st century.
At the time of his death in 2005, after serving as president for 38 years, Eyadéma became the longest-serving leader in modern African history. Shortly thereafter, his son Faure Gnassingbé was elected president.
Gnassingbé's succession was challenged by popular protest and by a threat of sanctions from regional leaders. Subsequently, Gnassingbé succumbed to pressure and in April 2005, held elections that legitimized his succession. He has since been reelected.
Togo’s economy is based primarily on commercial and subsistence agriculture, providing employment for 65% of the work force. Cotton, coffee and cocoa together generate about 40% of export earnings.
Its former and most prosperous industry, phosphate mining, has virtually collapsed, due to the fall of the world’s phosphate prices, financial problems and foreign competition. |
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- Official Name Togolese Republic
- Population 6,458,605
- Capital City Lomé (pop. 737,751)
- Currency CFA Franc
- Currency Converter
- Languages French (official), local dialects
- National Day 27 April, Independence Day
- Religions Muslim, Christian, locals beliefs
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- Land Area 54,390 sq km (21,000 sq miles)
- Highest Point Mount Agou (3,235 ft.) (986 m)
- Lowest Point Atlantic Ocean (0 ft.) (0 m)
- Land Divisions 5 regions,including: De La Kara, Des Plateaux, Des Savanes, Centrale and Maritime
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Togo, officially the Togolese Republic, is bordered by Benin, Burkina Faso and Ghana, and by the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean.
Southern Togo's landmass begins with extensive lagoons and mangrove-covered marshes that sweep northward into savanna (flat grassland) and a wooded plateau.
A swath of rolling hills sweep across the central areas, and in the far-north, the land is low, rolling savanna.
In the southwest the Togo Mountains dominate the landscape. Those mountains stretch northeast into central Togo. The highest mountain is Mount Agou with a height of 986 meters (3,235 ft).
There are also a number of relatively small lakes, the largest of which is Lake Togo, a shallow lagoon, separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of land.
As for rivers, the most significant is the 400 km (250 miles) long Mono River and its tributaries. The River Oti is one of the main tributaries of the River Volta. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 6°
17' N, 1° 35' E
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Togo has many attractions for international travelers that enjoy animals in the wild, nature at its best, and the beauty of tropical forests.
National Parks and reserves in Togo are certainly its major attractions. The country has three national parks, ten faunal reserves and 84 forest reserves.
National Parks of note include Fazao-Malfakassa, Fosse aux Lions and the Keran National Park. Faunal (animal) reserves of note include Faune D' Akaba, Faune de Kpessi and Faune de I' Aledjo
Fazao-Malfakassa National Park is home to countless birds, as well as primates and reptiles. Photo safaris are popular here during the dry season.
Keran National Park is home to a wide assortment of birds and mammals.
Lome, the capital city, is one of west-Africa's most charming cities; its beaches and colorful markets, especially the Voodoo Market, will prove interesting.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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The climate in Togo is generally hot and humid with average temperatures ranging from 27.5 °C (81.5 °F) on the coast to about 30 °C (86 °F) in the north.
There are two seasons of rain (April through July) and (September through November), but rainfall amounts are generally on the low side.
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Friday market, Lome, Togo...
Fisherman on Lake Togo...
A handsome young boy, Togo...
Gruesome primate skulls offered for sale, Togo... |
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