Information About Togo

History of Togo

Several ethnic groups such as ewe, mina and Giun from various regions invaded the coastal region of Togo between the 11th and 16th century. The "slave coast" was the name used to refer to Togo and the surrounding regions since it was a great trading zone for the slaves by the Portuguese since the 16th century after settlement. Germany colony, the British and the French troops claimed territory within the Togo region till the end of the World War 1 when Togo was divided into two regions under the powers of British and French. In 1922, an authority was given to French and Britain by the league of nation over the area of Togo where the Britain occupied the central plateau, while the French occupied the coast where they controlled the slave trade and gained more economic power over the Britain. French Togoland, state name, was changed to Togo in 1961 after gaining independence with Sylvanus Olympio being the president and he was killed in 1963 by the military scoop. Nicolas Grunitzky who was the opposition leader was appointed to succeed him and in 1967 a bloodless coup under the leadership of Eyadéma Gnassingbé overthrew Grunitzky and took the leadership until he died in 2005. Faure Gnassingbe was elected as the new president in accordance to the law and in 2010 he was re-elected as the president. A new constitution was adopted in 1979 under the Eyadema which re-established the presidential term limit and provided for the civilian rule.

Geography of Togo

Togo, being a small country in the west of the African continent is neighboured by the republic of Ghana in the eastern while Burkina Faso lies on the northern border. Benin is found in the eastern region and the Gulf of Guinea lies on the southern border of the country. Gently rolling savannas occupy larger areas of the northern and southern regions while the central parts have a hilly terrain. Lagoons and water marshes are the key physical features found in coastal areas of Togo. The country is slightly smaller than Virginia and has a coastline of approximate 54 kilometers. Harmattern dry winds and periodic droughts are some of the climatic challenges which Togo faces. Mount Agou makes the highest area in Togo and Atlantic Ocean forms the lowest point.

Climate of Togo

The climate of Togo is usually tropical with the temperatures ranging from 23°c to 30°c in the coastal region and the northern region respectively. The savannah and all the regions in this belt experience a dry climate throughout the year where the southern areas have two rainfall seasons with very low rainfall amounts.

Natural Resources in Togo

Natural minerals such as marble stones, phosphates and limestone deposits, the fertile land where the people of Togo grow various crops such as cocoa, cotton, sorghum and millet, livestock grazing land and fishing areas are the natural resources in this region.

Tourist Attraction in Togo

Togo is a great tourists' attraction region in the western Africa due to its beautiful heritage scenarios and other luxurious hotels within its major tranquil and most serene cities.
The top five cities in Togo include:

• Lomé
• Sokodé
• Kara
• Atakpame
• Palime

Kpalime, an area within Togo, where you will have a chance to meet with a swarm of beautiful butterflies as you go down the hills into the plateau, Koutammakou in the Tamberma Valley where you can observe the mud-constructed towers and the practised traditional farming, the capital city of Togo is the place you will enjoy your nights and the lake Togo which hosts the centre of voodoo culture will make you busy over the days. The national museum of Togo and that of the Gulf of Guinea will be your destination if you are an archaeologist, where the African historical materials are found.

Famous Hotels in Togo

• Residence Hoteliere Oceane
• Hotel Napoleon Lagune
• Hotel Aurore
• Mint Hotel
• Hotel Le Sphinx
• Residence Flamani

Togo Culture and Cuisine

The culture of Togo is influenced by the Ewe and Mina which are the largest ethnic groups. Several people still practice the traditional beliefs despite the presence of Christianity and Islam in the country. Maize, beans, rice and millet are the staple foods in the Togolese cuisine. The cultures interaction during the time of colonization also influenced the Togolese cuisine. Although there are many food stalls and restaurants in Togo, some kinds of foods such as groundnuts and cooked prawns are sold along the roads where fish and bush meat are used as the main sources of proteins.

International and Domestic Airports in Togo

Some of the important airports of Togo are:

• Lomé-Tokoin Airport
• Niamtougou International Airport
• Sansanné-Mango Airport
• Kolokope Airport
• Akpaka Airport
• Djangou Airport
• Sokodé Airport