Togo

File:Togo's national anthem (instrumental).ogg

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Togoland

Protests in Lomé, Togo, 18 octobre 2017 04

Sylvanus Olympio

Faure Gnassingbé 2014

Gnassingbé Eyadema, 1972

Togo, officially the Togolese Republic, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east, and Burkina Faso to the north. To the south, it has a small coastline along the Gulf of Guinea, where the capital city, Lomé, is located.

History

The area now known as Togo has been inhabited for centuries by various tribes and ethnic groups. In the late 19th century, it became a German colony known as Togoland. After World War I, the territory was divided between the United Kingdom and France under League of Nations mandates. The French-administered part became the modern state of Togo, gaining independence on April 27, 1960.

Geography

Togo is a narrow strip of land, approximately 57,000 square kilometers in size. The country features a diverse landscape, from the savannah in the north to the hilly regions in the central part, and the coastal plains in the south. The Mono River is one of the major rivers in Togo.

Politics

Togo is a presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and the head of government. The National Assembly is the legislative body. The political landscape has been dominated by the Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) and its successor, the Union for the Republic (UNIR).

Economy

Togo's economy is primarily based on agriculture, which employs a significant portion of the population. Key agricultural products include coffee, cocoa, and cotton. The country also has substantial phosphate reserves, which are a major export commodity.

Demographics

Togo has a population of approximately 8 million people. The country is home to around 40 different ethnic groups, with the largest being the Ewe, Mina, and Kabye. The official language is French, but many indigenous languages are also spoken.

Culture

Togo has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and festivals playing a significant role in Togolese society. The country is also known for its voodoo practices, particularly in the southern regions.

Education

Education in Togo is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15. The literacy rate is around 66%, with significant efforts being made to improve educational infrastructure and access.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Togo faces numerous challenges, including limited access to medical facilities and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Common health issues include malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.

See also

• Lomé
• West Africa
• Gulf of Guinea
• Ewe people
• Rally of the Togolese People
• Union for the Republic (Togo)