The Thin Strip Between Ghana and Benin
Togo is a narrow country only 56 km wide on average — a thin strip running inland from the Gulf of Guinea for about 600 km. This peculiar shape is a legacy of European colonial carving: what became Togo was German Togoland (1884-1914), then split between Britain (west, merged with Ghana) and France (east, became Togo) after WWI.
Togo has been ruled by the Gnassingbé family for nearly 60 years — Gnassingbé Eyadéma seized power in a 1967 coup and ruled until his death in 2005, when his son Faure Gnassingbé took over and has ruled since. The Gnassingbé dynasty is among Africa’s longest-ruling political families.
Lomé — the capital — has one of West Africa’s busiest ports, a regional hub for Sahelian trade. The city’s unique Afro-German colonial architecture and beach setting give it an atmosphere unlike any other West African capital.
A Brief History
German Togoland 1884-1914. Split between British Togoland (merged with Ghana) and French Togoland after WWI. Independence in 1960 under Sylvanus Olympio (assassinated 1963 — the first assassination of an African head of state post-independence). Eyadéma ruled 1967-2005, succeeded by his son Faure.
Geography and Climate
Togo covers 56,785 km². A long narrow country from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sahel. Climate: tropical in the south, semi-arid in the north.
Culture, Language and Religion
French is official. Religion: approximately 44% Christian, 20% Muslim, 36% traditional African religions (Vodun/Voodoo has deep roots in Togo, particularly among the Ewe in the south).
The Economy
Togo has a low-income economy (~$10 billion GDP). Phosphate mining, cotton, and the Port of Lomé are key sectors.
UNESCO Sites
Togo has 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba — notable for distinctive mud tower houses.
Travel Guide
Entry: E-visa available. Best seasons: November-February.
Surprising Facts
- Togo is only 56 km wide on average — a narrow strip running from the Gulf of Guinea inland.
- The Gnassingbé family has ruled Togo since 1967 — father then son.
- Sylvanus Olympio — Togo’s first president — was assassinated in 1963, the first post-independence African head of state killed.
- Vodun (Voodoo) — the religion that later spread to Haiti via the slave trade — has deep roots in Togo.
- Koutammakou — the UNESCO site — features extraordinary Batammariba tower houses made of mud.
- The Port of Lomé is West Africa’s deepest natural port and a regional shipping hub.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.