# Lomé

> capital city of Togo

**Wikidata**: [Q3792](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3792)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lomé)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lome

## Summary
Lomé is the capital and largest city of Togo, serving as the country's political, economic, and cultural hub. Located on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, it is a major port city with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. As of 2023, its population exceeds 2.1 million, reflecting its status as a dynamic urban center in the region.

## Key Facts
- **Capital of**: Togo (and formerly French Togoland until 1960).
- **Population**: 2,188,376 (2023 census), up from 33,000 in 1950.
- **Area**: 90,000,000 square meters.
- **Elevation**: 10 meters above sea level.
- **Coordinates**: 6.13° N, 1.2158° E.
- **Time Zone**: UTC±00:00.
- **Demonym**: *Loméen* (masculine), *Loméenne* (feminine); also *Lomeano*.
- **Country**: Togo, located in the Golfe Prefecture and Agoé–Nyivé.
- **Port City**: Major economic and trade hub on the Gulf of Guinea.
- **Twin Cities**: Duisburg (since 1973), Taipei (since 1966), Shenzhen.
- **Identifiers**: VIAF ID 139547078, GeoNames ID 2365267, UN/LOCODE TGLFW.
- **Language**: French (official), with Ewe and Mina widely spoken.

## FAQs
- **What is Lomé's role in Togo?**  
  Lomé is Togo’s administrative, economic, and cultural center, housing government institutions, markets, and key infrastructure like the Port of Lomé.

- **How has its population grown?**  
  The population surged from 33,000 in 1950 to over 2.1 million by 2023, driven by urbanization and its status as a regional trade hub.

- **When did Lomé become Togo’s capital?**  
  It has been the capital since Togo’s independence in 1960, previously serving as the administrative center of French Togoland.

- **What are its key landmarks?**  
  Notable sites include the Independence Monument, Lomé Cathedral, and the Voodoo Fetish Market, reflecting its blend of colonial and indigenous heritage.

- **Why is its port significant?**  
  The Port of Lomé is one of West Africa’s busiest, facilitating trade in goods like cocoa, coffee, and petroleum products.

## Why It Matters
Lomé is pivotal to Togo’s identity and economy, embodying the nation’s history from colonial trade post to independent republic. As a port city, it drives regional commerce and cultural exchange, while its demographic growth underscores its role as a magnet for opportunity in West Africa. Its architectural blend of French colonial and modern structures, alongside vibrant markets and festivals, makes it a microcosm of African urbanization and resilience.

## Notable For
- **Port City**: Critical trade gateway in the Gulf of Guinea.
- **Rapid Urbanization**: Population grew tenfold between 1950 and 2023.
- **Historical Landmarks**: Independence Monument and colonial-era architecture.
- **Cultural Diversity**: Fusion of Ewe, Mina, and French influences.
- **Twin Cities**: Strategic international partnerships with cities like Taipei and Duisburg.

## Body

### Geography and Climate
Lomé lies at the southernmost tip of Togo (6.13° N, 1.2158° E), bordering the Gulf of Guinea. At 10 meters elevation, its coastal location influences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The city spans 90,000,000 square meters, stretching along the Atlantic coast.

### Demographics
As of 2023, Lomé’s population is 2,188,376, per the census. Historical data shows exponential growth: 33,000 (1950), 85,000 (1960), 186,000 (1970), and 2.1 million by 2023, reflecting urbanization trends. The metropolitan area includes the Golfe Prefecture and Agoé–Nyivé districts.

### History
Founded by the Ewe people in the 18th century, Lomé became a German trading post in 1884. After World War I, it was administered by France as part of French Togoland. The city gained prominence as Togo’s capital after independence in 1960, with landmarks like the Independence Monument symbolizing this transition.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The Port of Lomé, one of West Africa’s largest, handles cargo and oil exports. The city hosts bustling markets (e.g., Grand Marché) and industrial zones. Lomé is connected by the Trans-African Highway and Lomé–Tokoin Airport, serving regional and international flights.

### Culture and Landmarks
Key attractions include the Voodoo Fetish Market, Lomé Cathedral, and the National Museum. The city blends French colonial architecture with modern structures like the Congress Palace. Annual festivals, such as the Fête des Arts de Togo, celebrate Ewe and Mina traditions.

### Governance and Administration
As Togo’s capital, Lomé houses the National Assembly and presidential offices. It is divided into administrative districts like Golfe and Agoé–Nyivé, governed by the Togolese Ministry of Territorial Administration.

### International Relations
Lomé maintains twinning agreements with Duisburg (Germany, since 1973), Taipei (Taiwan, since 1966), and Shenzhen (China). These partnerships foster cultural and economic exchanges, reinforcing its global connections.

### Identifiers and References
Lomé is cataloged in global databases, including VIAF ID 139547078, GeoNames ID 2365267, and UN/LOCODE TGLFW. Its coordinates and administrative boundaries are documented by OpenStreetMap (relation ID 6607308) and the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names (ID 1094890).

## References

1. archINFORM
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. MusicBrainz
6. [Source](https://citypopulation.de/en/togo/cities)
7. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
8. GeoNames
9. BBC Things
10. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
11. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
12. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
13. FactGrid
14. museum-digital