Slightly smaller than West Virginia, this African
country gained its independence from France in 1960. Togo is located in West Africa and borders the Gulf of Guinea. The
capital of Togo is Lome.
The southern region is characteristically hot and humid, while the north is cooler and has more varied temperatures. Rainfall is greater in the hills, which are spread diagonally across Togo.
Togo is home to approximately 5.7 million people. The Ewe is the largest ethnic group in Togo, inhabiting the southern part of the country. The Mina and the Kabre also live in Togo.
French is the country’s official language. Ewe, Mina, Kabye, and Dagomba are also spoken in Togo. Approximately 50 percent of the population practice African religions, while 30 percent are Christian, and 20 percent are Muslim.
The majority of the country are agricultural workers, manufacturing such crops as rice, beans, corn, cassava, and yams.
Togo’s government has suffered from political unrest since its independence in 1960. The country’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio, was assassinated in 1963 and his successor was overthrown 4 years later. Even after the adoption of a new constitution in 1992, riots and other acts of violence continue to permeate Togo.
The monetary unit of Togo is the CFA Franc.
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