Togo

1884 (July 5, Saturday): German colonial forces establish the protectorate of Togoland

1914 (August 4, Tuesday): Togoland is seized by British and French forces during World War I

1922 (March 19, Sunday): Togoland is divided into French and British zones of control

1956 (October 2, Tuesday): French Togoland achieves autonomy within the French Union

1960 (April 27, Wednesday): Togoland gains independence from France, becomes the Republic of Togo

1967 (January 13, Friday): Military coup led by Gnassingbé Eyadéma establishes a dictatorship

1972 (May 5, Friday): Eyadéma consolidates power after surviving an assassination attempt

1991 (March 5, Tuesday): National Conference calls for democratic reforms

1993 (August 5, Thursday): Presidential elections are held, followed by contested results

2005 (February 5, Saturday): Death of President Gnassingbé Eyadéma, son Faure Gnassingbé takes over

2007 (April 4, Wednesday): Faure Gnassingbé is elected president in contested elections

2010 (February 5, Friday): Protests and civil unrest following presidential elections

2017 (August 19, Saturday): Togo witnesses massive protests calling for presidential term limits

2020 (August 28, Friday): Faure Gnassingbé re-elected for a fourth term in controversial elections

2022 (July 4, Monday): Massive flooding caused by seasonal rains affect Lomé and surrounding areas, causing displacement

2023 (October 15, Sunday): Earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale strikes the northern region, causing property damage

2024 (May 21, Monday): Tropical storm causes floods and landslides in the southwestern regions, with dozens of fatalities

Continent: Africa
Location: West Africa
Capital: Lomé
Language: French (official), Ewe, Mina, and other local languages
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
Population: ~8.7 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Borders: Ghana (west), Burkina Faso (north), Benin (east), Gulf of Guinea (south)
Landscape: Coastal plains, savannas, and mountains
Major Rivers: Togo River, Mono River
Major Mountains: Mount Agou (highest point)
Deserts: None
Lakes: None
Volcanoes: None active
Highest Point: Mount Agou (986 m / 3,235 ft)
Lowest Point: Gulf of Guinea (0 m / 0 ft)
Climate: Tropical, with two seasons: wet (April to October) and dry (November to March)
Geological Features: Part of the West African Plateau, predominantly sedimentary rocks, with a few volcanic formations in the north

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Ewe, Mina, Tem, Kabye, and various smaller groups
Religion: Christianity (approx. 29%), Islam (approx. 20%), Indigenous religions (approx. 51%)
Urban Population: ~40% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~4% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Traditional art, music, and dance; a rich cultural heritage in the realm of folk arts
Cuisine: Fufu, maize, rice, beans, yams, fish, and spicy stews
Arts: Wood carvings, cloth weaving (kente cloth), and storytelling
Sports: Football (soccer), athletics, and basketball

Economy Type: Developing economy, agriculture-based
GDP: Approx. $9 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture, phosphate mining, cement, cotton, and cocoa production
Key Exports: Phosphates, cotton, cocoa, coffee, and cashews
Unemployment Rate: ~6.8% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Coastal region (Lomé), northern agricultural areas, and central plateau with phosphate mining

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Faure Gnassingbé (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly
Constitution: In effect since 1992, with amendments

Lomé: The capital city, featuring beaches, the Grand Marché, and the National Museum
Kpalimé: Known for its waterfalls and trekking opportunities in the nearby mountains
Togoville: A historic town on the shores of Lake Togo, important for traditional culture and religion
Mount Agou: A popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of Togo
Kara: A city known for its proximity to the Kabyé cultural heartland and Mount Tchokossi