The Republic of Togo is a country in West Africa that shares borders with states such as Benin, Ghana and Burkina Faso. The southern coast is washed by the Gulf of Guinea. The capital of the state is the city of Lome.
Historical information
To this day Togo antiquity is known only to insignificant facts based on archaeological finds. Artifacts testify to the sufficient development of the local ancient tribes who were able to process iron and sculpt pottery.
In the 15th century, Portuguese colonialists arrived on the territory of the Ewe people for a new batch of slaves. Three centuries later, the small town of Lome was founded on the site of the main settlement by the Europeans. It is worth noting that Togo is a country whose capital has not changed its name or geographical location since ancient times. On the African continent, this is a rarity.
In the mid-1880s, by agreement of France, Britain and local leaders, the state of Togo became part of the
German Empire as a colony. Over the next 60 years, the African country was torn apart by wars and robberies of European invaders. Almost every year the state passed into the hands of either Britain, France, or Germany. And only at the end of 1945, the UN took custody of the state.
In April 1960, Togo received the long-awaited status of an independent republic. At that time, the country was led by Silvanus Olimpio, who won 99% of the vote. The new president raised the economy and authority of the state to unprecedented heights. However, he was not destined to stay in power for a long time. In 1963, he was killed by the opposition, forcibly seizing power. For several years, the republic was torn by internecine wars. The situation changed with the advent of the famous dictator Eyadem Gnassingbe.
Today Togo is a country with its own culture, traditions, economy and political system. Since 1993, actively cooperates with the European Union and the UN.
Population
The first thing worth noting is the religious system of the republic. Togo is a country in which all faiths are permitted. Most residents are worshipers of ancient deities. There are also many Catholics, Muslims, Pentecostals, Methodists, Adventists and Presbyterians in the country.
The population varies between 6.2 million people, although every year this figure is inexorably decreasing. The whole fault is the average life expectancy. Its indicator, even for
African countries, is considered quite low. Men live on average up to 58 years, women - 62 years. Another reason for the decline in the population is a large percentage of HIV-infected people - more than 3.5%.
About fifty tribes with ancient traditions still exist in the republic.
Political system
The African country of Togo is a presidential republic. The head of state is Gnassingbe Essozyme. The ISO index of the republic is TG. The telephone code of the country of Togo is + 228.
The constitution was signed through a referendum in 1992. The head of state is elected for 5 years. The President has the right to assemble and dissolve the National Assembly (Parliament), which is Togo's main legislative body. The composition of the National Assembly includes 81 deputies. Each of them is also elected for 5 years.
Togolese military forces receive particular attention. Despite the small number of military ranks (about 9 thousand soldiers), the country's armed forces are well equipped and organized. No wonder it is the Togolese army that is considered one of the best in all of Africa. France is actively helping the country in the military field.
The state of Togo is divided into 5 administrative regions: Kara, Lome, Atakpame, Dapaon and Sokode.
Economic situation
Today Togo is a country based on re-export and agriculture. Commerce is top notch here. The main export commodities are cocoa, coffee, cotton and phosphates. Of the domestic agricultural sectors, it is worth noting the cultivation of corn, rice, beans, tapioca. In the villages, local residents raise cattle and engage in fishing.
The annual level of GDP per person is approximately $ 900. This indicator is achieved thanks to the developed industrial production of phosphates and textiles. In recent years, the unemployment rate has increased, so many Togolese people have to travel abroad.
On export, the state annually replenishes the treasury with an average of $ 750 million. Most products are sold in Asia and Europe.
Geographic features
Most of Togo is occupied by plains. In the central region there are plateaus of impressive size, the average height of which ranges from 200 to 400 meters. The south of the country is represented by coastal plains and lagoons. The highest point of the republic is the peak of Mount Agu - 987 m.
Only a few large rivers flow through Togo. The longest of them is Mono - 467 km. The border with the state of Benin passes along its mouth. It is noteworthy that the largest lake in the country is also called Togo. Its area is 50 square meters. km
The climate here is hot, equatorial, semi-dry. Average temperature indicators vary within +25 degrees. Flora is represented by endless savannahs. A lot of minerals are mined in the country: bauxite, gold, aluminum, graphite, iron, marble, uranium, kaolin, chromium, etc.