Yearbook 2009
Togo. According to countryaah, the authorities claimed in April to have averted a coup attempt staged by the president’s half-brother. President Brother Kpatcha Gnassingbé, former Defense Minister, was arrested when he tried to enter the US embassy to apply for asylum. The day before, soldiers had stormed his residence, killing at least two people and injuring three in a firefight. Kpatcha Gnassingbé had long been rumored to be in feud with his half-brother President Faure Gnassingbé since he was dismissed from the government without explanation. A policeman and 18 soldiers would be punished disciplinarily and then handed over to the civil justice system. None of the defendants needed to risk execution, because in June the Parliament unanimously decided to abolish the death penalty. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for abbreviation TG which stands for the nation of Togo.
Country data
Area: 56,785 km2 (world ranking: 123)
Population: 7,798,000
Population density: 137 per km2 (as of 2017, world ranking: 101)
Capital: Lomé
Official languages: French
Gross domestic product: 4.8 billion US $; Real growth: 5.6%
Gross national product (GNP, per resident and year): US $ 610
Currency: CFA franc
Embassy
Grabbeallee 43, 13156 Berlin
Telephone 030 49908968,
Fax 030 49908967
www.ambatogoberlin.de
Government
Head of State: Faure Gnassingbé, Head of Government: Komi Sélom Klassou, Exterior: Robert Dussey
National Day: 27.4.
Administrative structure
5 regions
State and form of government
Constitution of 1992
Presidential Republic
Parliament: National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) with 91 members, election every 5 years
Direct election of the head of state every 5 years
Suffrage from 18 years of age
Population of: Togo
last 2010 census: 6,191,155 residents.
va of KwaZulu (22% Ewe, 10% watchi) and Gur-peoples (13% Kabye, Temba, Mopa, Gurma and Losso); Hausa, Fulbe; French
Cities (with population): (as of 2017) Lomé 1,933,700 residents (A), Kara 108,700, Sokodé 104,700, Kpalimé 84,900, Atakpamé 77,300, Dapaong 66,100, Tsévié 55,600
Religions: 40% followers of indigenous religions, 26% Catholics, 20% Muslims (Sunnis), 9% Protestants, among others (as of 2006)
Languages: French; Ewe, Kabyé, Gur-Sprachen (Moba, Gurma), Fulbe, Yoruba and Hausa Employed
By economic sector: no information
Unemployment (in% of all economically active persons)
no information
Inflation rate (in%): 2017: -0.7%
Foreign trade: Import: 2.5 Billion US $ (2017); Export: 1.1 billion US $ (2017)
Shopping
Overview
Wax prints, indigo fabrics, kente and colored print fabrics from Ghana, embroidery, batik and lace from Holland, gold and silver jewellery, masks and wooden sculptures. Shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 08.00-17.30, Sat 07.30-12.30.
Nightlife
Introduction
Especially in Lomé, there are numerous nightclubs that also serve meals. French and English language films are shown in the cinemas.
Culinary
Overview
Some restaurants offer African dishes, but most specialize in French cuisine. Especially in Lomé there are numerous small cafés with local cuisine. Specialties are soups based on palm nuts, peanuts and corn. Meat, poultry and seafood in delicious variations are often on the menu. Drinks: The selection of spirits is good; the local beer is recommended.
Accommodation
Hotels
Accommodation of international standard is only available in Lomé and Lama-Kara, but there are hotels in all major cities. Advance booking is recommended. More information from the Direction des Professions Touristiques (see addresses).
Camping
There are free campsites, but camping is not recommended.
Culture
Religion
51% adherents of native religions, 29% Christians, 20% Muslims (Sunnis).
Social Rules of Conduct
The diverse colonial heritage of Togo is particularly evident in the various Christian influences and European languages. Practical, casual attire is appropriate, but bathing suits should only be worn on the beach or swimming pool. Tip: if not included in the bill 10%; Taxi drivers do not normally expect tips.
Climate
Best travel time
Not quite as hot as other countries on the West African coast — the harmattan from the north blows from December to January, the rainy season lasts from April to July. The hottest months are February and March.
Country data
Phone prefix
+228
Area (sq km)
56785
Population
8,278,724
Population density (per square km)
133
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
117