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Togo
Africa
A small West African nation with a mix of cultures, Togo relies on agriculture and phosphate mining.
9,000,000
Population
56,785
Area (km²)
Lomé
Capital
19
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
19 Events
September 02, 2025 - Mayoral elections are postponed by one week to September 9–11 due to logistical issues, delaying local governance amid ongoing political tensions.
July 11, 2025 - The government presents its response to the June protests, announcing a peaceful march on July 5 and defending the constitutional process while opening to "structured dialogue."
July 04, 2025 - Reports highlight youth anger at the Gnassingbé family's 58-year rule, with demands for democratic reforms; the government withdraws the electricity hike and releases Aamron but faces calls for investigations into abuses.
June 26, 2025 - June 26–28: Youth-led protests erupt in Lomé against the 2024 constitutional changes, dynastic rule, electricity price hikes, and economic woes; security forces crack down violently, killing at least four, injuring dozens, and arresting over 60, including activist singer Aamron.
June 02, 2025 - The Third Ministerial Conference of the African Political Alliance (APA) convenes in Lomé, focusing on democratic transitions and regional stability.
May 03, 2025 - Presidential elections under the new parliamentary system elect Faure Gnassingbé to the presidency for a six-year term; it is the first such vote since the 2024 reforms, with UNIR's dominance ensuring victory amid opposition boycotts.
April 27, 2025 - Nationwide celebrations mark the 65th Independence Day, featuring parades, speeches, and cultural programs reflecting on progress and challenges.
April 01, 2025 - Togo opens registration for its pavilion at the Osaka 2025 World Expo, planning Economic Day (August 19), Cultural Day (August 20), and National Day events to showcase development.
March 01, 2025 - March: President Gnassingbé appoints 20 additional senators, completing the 61-member Senate and finalizing the transition to the Fifth Republic.
February 15, 2025 - Togo holds its first Senate elections under the new constitution; UNIR secures 34 of 41 seats, consolidating power in the upper house.
November 01, 2024 - The WTO and University of Lomé close the second Regional Trade Policy Course, training officials on trade policy amid economic diversification efforts.
August 01, 2024 - President Gnassingbé retains Prime Minister Victoire Sidémého Dzidudu Tomegah-Dogbé and promises a new government formation, signaling continuity amid post-election stability.
April 29, 2024 - Parliamentary and first regional elections occur; the ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) wins a majority (108 of 113 seats), amid low turnout and opposition allegations of fraud.
April 19, 2024 - The constitution is approved on second reading without a referendum, despite opposition boycotts and calls from civil society and Catholic bishops for rejection; it enshrines rights but eliminates direct presidential elections.
March 26, 2024 - The National Assembly adopts sweeping constitutional amendments, shifting Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system, creating a new "President of the Council of Ministers" role without term limits; critics label it a "constitutional coup" to extend President Faure Gnassingbé's rule.
December 27, 2023 - Foreign Minister Robert Dussey reviews Togo's 2023 diplomacy, highlighting commitments to African peace, security, and emancipation amid regional challenges.
October 25, 2023 - The World Bank releases the Togo Economic Update 2023, recommending open trade and private investment to unlock growth potential, projecting 5.2% GDP expansion.
July 25, 2023 - July 25–28: Maritimafrica Week Togo 2023 is held, featuring exhibitions, conferences, and tours of maritime infrastructure to promote the blue economy and Africa's development.
April 27, 2023 - Togo celebrates its 63rd Independence Day with nationwide festivities, including parades and cultural events in Lomé.
Frequently Asked Questions About Togo
100 Questions
Togo is in West Africa, bordered by Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The capital is Lomé.
Around 9.5 million people as of 2025 estimates.
French is official; Ewe, Mina, Kabye, and many other local languages are widely spoken.
Tropical, with a hot and humid south and a drier north.
The West African CFA franc (XOF).
Green and yellow stripes with a white star in a red square.
Lomé, Sokodé, Kara, Kpalimé, and Atakpamé.
On April 27, 1960, from France.
Sylvanus Olympio.
Faure Gnassingbé (as of 2025).
A presidential republic (dominated by one family for decades).
Ewe, Kabye, Mina, Gurma, and others.
Christianity and indigenous beliefs, with Islam also present.
Around $10 billion in 2025 estimates.
About $1,000.
Around 68%.
About 62 years.
Around 4.3 children per woman.
Around 60%.
Cotton, phosphates, coffee, cocoa, and re-exported goods.
Fuel, machinery, food, and manufactured goods.
Phosphates, limestone, marble, and arable land.
Because of its trade port in Lomé, which serves neighboring countries.
Its seaport, markets, and political history.
Togo’s second-largest city, known for trade and Islamic culture.
The hometown of the ruling Gnassingbé family.
A cultural center near coffee and cocoa-growing areas.
Mount Agou (986 m).
Maize, millet, sorghum, cassava, and yams.
A dough-like dish made from cassava or yams, eaten with sauce.
A maize-based porridge similar to ugali.
A spinach and meat stew.
Palm wine, sodabi (local liquor), tea, and beer.
Football, athletics, and handball.
The Sparrowhawks.
Yes, with several appearances.
Yes, in 2006.
Emmanuel Adebayor, Kossi Agassa, and Alaixys Romao.
Yes, winning a bronze medal in canoe slalom in 2008.
Afrobeat, traditional drumming, gospel, and highlife.
King Mensah, Bella Bellow.
Drums, balafon, flutes, and rattles.
Ewe dances, Kabye warrior dances, and Agbadja.
Kente cloth, batik fabrics, and kabas.
They are influential in trade, agriculture, and households.
Around 60%.
Around 75%.
High, especially among youth.
Around 60%.
Yams, cassava, maize, coffee, and cocoa.
Goats, sheep, poultry, and cattle.
Limited, with shortages in rural areas.
Malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, and diarrheal diseases.
Around 2% of adults.
High, though improving.
Still very high.
“Salut à toi, pays de nos aïeux.”
“Work, Liberty, Homeland.”
The lion.
The African grey parrot.
The red hibiscus.
Antelopes, monkeys, elephants, and diverse birds.
Fazao-Malfakassa, KĂ©ran, and Togodo.
Mountains, forests, and elephants.
Savannah wildlife and cultural villages.
Wetlands and bird species.
Higher than adult literacy, around 75%.
Around $1,000 annually.
High but declining slowly.
Around 45%.
Farmers and small traders dominate.
Hydro, imports, and biomass.
High in solar and hydro.
Poverty, dependence on agriculture, and corruption.
Democratization and ending family rule.
Strong economic and cultural ties as former colonizer.
Togo is a founding member, active in trade and peacekeeping.
Supports Togo in regional integration.
Aid and development projects in health and education.
Invests in roads, trade, and infrastructure.
Moderate, stabilized by CFA franc.
High in the south, especially Lomé.
Weaving, pottery, and wood carving.
A unique market in Lomé selling traditional medicine and charms.
A Kabye initiation ceremony involving wrestling.
A harvest celebration in rural communities.
April 27, with parades and cultural events.
Around 15% difference.
Around 6 years.
Lower than rural areas.
Maternal health, malaria prevention, and nutrition.
Limited funding, teacher shortages, and inequality.
Around 5 people per household.
Rapid, with a very young population.
Trade and services, alongside agriculture.
Beaches, mountains, cultural festivals, and markets.
A bustling marketplace selling fabrics, crafts, and goods.
Potentially positive if governance and diversification improve.
It is small but strategically important in West Africa, with a rich culture and a vital trade port.