Togo is a small West African country located on the Gulf of Guinea. It is bordered by Ghana to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Benin to the east. To the south, Togo has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 8° to 11°N latitude and 0° to 2°E longitude.
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Geography
Climate
Togo experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The south of the country has a humid tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall from April to July. In the north, the climate is semi-arid, with a shorter rainy season and longer dry season.
Fauna
Togo is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and antelopes in its national parks and reserves. The country’s forests support diverse bird species, while its coastal waters are rich in marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles.
Longest Rivers
The longest river in Togo is the Mono River, which flows for approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) through the country before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The Mono River serves as a vital water source for agriculture and transportation in southern Togo.
Highest Mountains
Togo’s highest peak is Mount Agou, located in the Kloto Prefecture near the border with Ghana. It rises to an elevation of 986 meters (3,235 feet) above sea level and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
History
Prehistory
Togo has a rich archaeological heritage, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The region was inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Ewe and the Kabye, who practiced agriculture and traded with neighboring societies.
Colonial Era
In the late 19th century, Togo became a German protectorate known as Togoland. After World War I, the territory was divided between France and Britain under League of Nations mandates. French Togoland eventually gained independence in 1960, becoming the Republic of Togo.
Post-Independence
Togo’s early years as an independent nation were marked by political instability and authoritarian rule. In 1967, Gnassingbé Eyadéma seized power in a military coup and ruled the country for nearly four decades until his death in 2005. His son, Faure Gnassingbé, succeeded him as president, leading to ongoing political tensions and protests.
Demographics
Togo has a population of approximately 8 million people, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups including the Ewe, the Kabye, and the Mina. The majority of the population is concentrated in rural areas, with significant urbanization in the capital city of Lomé and other major cities.
Administrative Divisions
Togo is divided into five administrative regions, each further subdivided into prefectures and municipalities. Here are the administrative divisions along with their respective populations:
- Savanes Region – Population: 2 million
- Kara Region – Population: 1.5 million
- Centrale Region – Population: 1.2 million
- Plateaux Region – Population: 1 million
- Maritime Region – Population: 2.3 million
10 Largest Cities by Population
The largest cities in Togo by population are:
- Lomé
- Sokodé
- Kara
- Atakpamé
- Kpalimé
- Bassar
- Tsévié
- Aného
- Mango
- Dapaong
Education Systems
Education in Togo is provided free of charge at the primary and secondary levels, with efforts to increase enrollment rates and improve access to education for all children. Togo has several universities and higher education institutions, including the University of Lomé and the University of Kara.
Transportation
Airports
Togo has one major international airport, Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport, located in Lomé. It serves as the primary gateway for international flights and domestic travel within Togo.
Railways
Togo has a limited railway network operated by the Togolese Railways Corporation. The railway system connects major cities and towns in the south of the country, facilitating transportation of goods and passengers.
Highways
Togo has a well-developed network of highways and roads, including the Trans-West African Coastal Highway that runs along the country’s coastline. The total length of Togo’s highways is approximately 11,000 kilometers (6,800 miles), providing vital links between urban centers and rural communities.
Ports
The Port of Lomé is the largest and busiest port in Togo, serving as a major hub for maritime trade in West Africa. It handles a significant volume of cargo, including exports such as cocoa, coffee, and phosphates, as well as imports of consumer goods and petroleum products.
Country Facts
- Population: 8 million
- Capital: Lomé
- Language: French (official), Ewe, Kabye, others
- Religion: Christianity, Islam, traditional African religions
- Ethnicity: Ewe, Kabye, Mina, others
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- ISO Country Code: TG
- International Calling Code: +228
- Top-Level Domain: .tg