Togo

Togo is a West African nation bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east, Burkina Faso to the north, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Its coastline is relatively short, and the country extends roughly 600 km north-south along the coast and about 50-100 km inland. The capital and largest city is Lomé. The area is about 57,000 square kilometers.

As of the early 2020s, Togo has an estimated population of about 8.7 million. The population is ethnically diverse, with the Ewe concentrated in the south and the Kabye in the north. French is the official language, with Ewe, Kabiye, and other local languages widely spoken. Religions include Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs.

Historically, Togoland was a German colony in the late 19th century and was divided after World War I between Britain and France. French Togoland gained independence on April 27, 1960. The early post-independence era included political instability, with long-time president Gnassingbé Eyadéma ruling from 1967 to 2005; he was succeeded by his son Faure Gnassingbé in 2005.

Politically, Togo is a presidential republic with a constitution that provides for elected representatives and a multiparty system, though elections have faced scrutiny. The economy is small and open, with agriculture employing a large share of the workforce. Cotton and phosphates are major exports, and the Port of Lomé serves as a key regional hub. The country participates in regional bodies such as ECOWAS.

Administratively, Togo is divided into five regions: Maritime, Plateaux, Centrale, Kara, and Savanes. Education and health services are ongoing development priorities, and the country faces challenges related to poverty, infrastructure, and climate-related pressures. The culture reflects a blend of traditional practices with Francophone influences, visible in music, markets, and festivals.