# Togo

> country in West Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q945](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q945)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Togo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/togo

## Summary
Togo is a sovereign state and republic located in West Africa, bordered by Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, and the Atlantic Ocean. It achieved independence from French Togoland on April 27, 1960, and operates with Lomé as its capital city. The nation is a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations, utilizing French as its official language and the West African CFA franc as its currency.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Togo is a country, sovereign state, and republic situated in West Africa.
- **Independence**: The country gained independence on April 27, 1960, following French Togoland.
- **Capital**: The capital city is Lomé.
- **Area**: The total area is 56,785 square kilometers.
- **Population**: The population has grown from 1,580,513 in 1960 to an estimated 9,515,240 in 2024.
- **Coordinates**: Geographic coordinates are approximately 8.25° latitude and 1.183333° longitude.
- **Borders**: Togo shares borders with Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Benin, and is located next to the Bight of Benin and the Atlantic Ocean.
- **Government**: The executive body is the Government of Togo, and the legislative body is the National Assembly.
- **Head of State**: As of May 3, 2025, the head of state is Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, preceded by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.
- **Head of Government**: As of May 3, 2025, the head of government is Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.
- **Official Language**: French is the official language.
- **Currency**: The legal tender is the West African CFA franc.
- **Anthem**: The national anthem is "Terre de nos aïeux" (Land of our Forefathers).
- **Motto**: The national motto is "Travail, Liberté, Patrie" (Work, Liberty, Homeland).
- **Flag**: The current flag, adopted on April 28, 1960, features a 3:2 aspect ratio.
- **UN Membership**: Togo joined the United Nations on September 20, 1960.
- **Commonwealth Membership**: Togo joined the Commonwealth of Nations on June 25, 2022.
- **GDP**: The nominal GDP was approximately $9.93 billion USD in 2024.
- **Time Zone**: The time zone is UTC±00:00 (Africa/Lome).
- **Calling Code**: The international telephone country code is +228.
- **Internet Domain**: The top-level internet domain is .tg.
- **ISO Codes**: ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code is TG; alpha-3 is TGO; numeric is 768.
- **Driving**: Traffic drives on the right side of the road.
- **Electricity**: The mains voltage is 220V at a frequency of 50Hz, using the Europlug.
- **Life Expectancy**: In 2016, life expectancy was recorded at 60.23 years.
- **Highest Point**: The highest elevation is Mount Agou.
- **Lowest Point**: The lowest elevation is the Bight of Benin at 0 meters.
- **VAT Rate**: The standard value-added tax rate is 18%.

## FAQs
**Where is Togo located?**
Togo is a country in West Africa that shares borders with Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Benin. It also has a coastline along the Bight of Benin, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.

**When did Togo gain independence?**
Togo became an independent sovereign state on April 27, 1960, succeeding the colonial entity of French Togoland.

**What is the population of Togo?**
The population has seen significant growth over the decades, rising from approximately 1.58 million in 1960 to an estimated 9.5 million in 2024.

**What languages are spoken in Togo?**
French is the official language used in government and education. However, numerous indigenous languages are used throughout the country, including Ewe, Kabiye, Moba, Tem, and over 30 others such as Fon, Gen, Kusaal, and Nawdm.

**What currency does Togo use?**
Togo utilizes the West African CFA franc as its official currency.

**What international organizations is Togo a member of?**
Togo is a member of the United Nations (joining in 1960), the African Union, and the World Trade Organization. It also joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 2022 and participates in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and various World Bank Group agencies.

**Who is the current leader of Togo?**
As of May 3, 2025, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové serves as the head of state. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé is the head of government, holding the office of President of the Council of Ministers.

**What are Togo's national symbols?**
Togo's national anthem is "Terre de nos aïeux," and its motto is "Travail, Liberté, Patrie." The national flag has been in use since April 28, 1960, and the country's coat of arms is known as the Emblem of Togo.

**What is the economic status of Togo?**
Togo's economy had a nominal GDP of roughly $9.93 billion USD in 2024. The country has a VAT rate of 18% and an unemployment rate that was recorded at 1.9% in 2024.

**What are the emergency contact numbers in Togo?**
Emergency services can be reached via 118 for the fire department, and 117, 171, or 172 for the police.

## Why It Matters
Togo serves as a significant political and economic connector in West Africa, bridging the Francophone and Anglophone spheres through its recent membership in the Commonwealth of Nations while maintaining strong ties to the French-speaking world via the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Guinea provides essential maritime access to the Atlantic Ocean, influencing regional trade and logistics. The nation's transition from a UN Trust Territory to a sovereign state in 1960 and its subsequent participation in major international bodies like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization highlight its role in global diplomacy. Furthermore, Togo's diverse cultural landscape, home to over 40 languages, represents a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, making it a focal point for studies in African linguistics and cultural diversity. Its evolving democratic indices and economic development metrics, tracked by organizations like the World Bank and UNDP, provide critical data on development trends in the region.

## Notable For
- **Gaining Independence:** Achieved sovereignty from French Togoland on April 27, 1960.
- **Commonwealth Accession:** Joined the Commonwealth of Nations on June 25, 2022, expanding its diplomatic alliances.
- **Population Growth:** Experienced a population surge from under 2 million in the 1960s to over 9.5 million by 2024.
- **Linguistic Diversity:** Recognizes and utilizes over 40 distinct languages, including Kabiye, Ewe, Moba, and Tem, alongside official French.
- **Geographical Extremes:** Features Mount Agou as its highest point and the Bight of Benin as its lowest point.
- **Electrical Standards:** Standardizes on a 220-volt, 50Hz system using the Europlug.
- **Political Status:** Rated as a "partly free country" by Freedom in the World.
- **International Cooperation:** Member of the African Development Bank, ECOWAS, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Togo is situated in West Africa, specifically within the subregion of the same name. The nation's geographical coordinates are approximately 8.25° N latitude and 1.183333° E longitude. It covers a total land area of 56,785 square kilometers. The country is bordered by Ghana to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Benin to the east. To the south, Togo is located next to the Bight of Benin, which opens into the Atlantic Ocean. The lowest point of the country is at the Bight of Benin with an elevation of 0 meters, while the highest point is Mount Agou.

Administratively, Togo is divided into several regions, including the Savanes Region, Kara Region, Centrale Region, Maritime Region, and the Plateaux Region. The country is geographically mapped in various datasets, including Geoshape identifiers and locator maps available through Wikimedia Commons.

### History and Politics
Togo's modern political history began with its inception as a sovereign state on April 27, 1960, following the dissolution of French Togoland. The country officially adopted its current flag on April 28, 1960, replacing earlier versions used in 1957 and 1958. As a republic and sovereign state, Togo established its capital in Lomé.

The government structure consists of an executive body known as the Government of Togo and a legislative body called the National Assembly. The head of state holds the title of President of Togo. Leadership has transitioned over time; Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé served as head of state from 2005 until May 3, 2025. As of May 3, 2025, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové is the preferred head of state. The head of government is Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who holds the office of President of the Council of Ministers as of May 3, 2025.

Togo maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Germany, Ghana, Taiwan, the United States, the People's Republic of China, North Korea, Cameroon, and the European Union. The nation is classified as a "partly free country" according to the Freedom in the World index.

### Demographics and Population
Togo has experienced substantial population growth since independence.
- **1960:** 1,580,513
- **1970:** 2,115,521
- **1980:** 2,720,838
- **1990:** 3,787,602
- **2000:** 4,864,753
- **2010:** 6,337,000
- **2017:** 7,797,694 (Preferred)
- **2023:** 9,304,337
- **2024:** 9,515,240

The population is divided by gender and location. In 2022, the male population was approximately 4,448,225 and the female population was 4,400,474. In the same year, the rural population was 4,962,262 and the urban population was 3,886,437.

**Vital Statistics:**
- **Birth Rate:** Declined from 32.756 (2019) to 31.48 (2022).
- **Death Rate:** Fluctuated slightly, recorded at 8.465 (2019) and 8.213 (2022).
- **Total Fertility Rate:** Decreased from 5.461 (1999) to 4.584 (2014, preferred value).
- **Life Expectancy:** Increased to 60.23 years in 2016 (preferred value).
- **Gini Coefficient:** Recorded at 42.4 in 2018.
- **Human Development Index (HDI):** Rose from 0.410 (1990) to a preferred value of 0.539 in 2021.
- **Inequality-adjusted HDI:** Reached 0.372 in 2021.
- **Democracy Index:** Scored 2.80 in 2020.

### Culture and Language
Togo possesses a rich cultural identity defined by its motto "Travail, Liberté, Patrie" (Work, Liberty, Homeland) and its anthem "Terre de nos aïeux". The demonym for the people is "Togolese" (applicable to singular, plural, and adjective forms), though numerous other forms exist in different languages, such as "Togolais" in French and "Togolès" in Catalan.

While French is the official language, the country is linguistically diverse with a wide array of languages used:
- **Major Languages:** Kabiye, Lama, Ewe, Moba, Lukpa, Mbelime, Tammari, Delo, Gourmanchéma, Ahlon, Ginyanga, Yobe, Kusaal, Konkomba, Nawdm, Mooré, Ngangam, Ntcham, Tem.
- **Additional Languages:** Phla, Wudu, Waci, Adele, Bissa, Fon, Gen, Ifè, Anufo, Bago-Kusuntu, Aguna, Anii, Agotime, Akasalem, Kpessi, Mahi, Northern Nago, Adja, Berba, Kposo, Kebu.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Togo's economy is supported by the West African CFA franc currency. The nominal GDP has shown growth:
- **2021:** $8,334,047,486 USD
- **2022:** $8,126,439,481 USD
- **2024:** $9,930,000,000 USD

The standard VAT rate is 18%. Unemployment rates have varied significantly, recorded at 7% in 2014 and dropping to 1.9% in 2024. The central bank is the Central Bank of West African States.

**Infrastructure:**
- **Driving Side:** Right
- **Mains Voltage:** 220 V, 50 Hz
- **Plug Type:** Europlug
- **Telephone Country Code:** +228
- **License Plate Code:** TG (since 1973)
- **Internet Domain:** .tg
- **Time Zone:** UTC±00:00 (Africa/Lome)

### Symbols and Identifiers
Togo employs several national symbols:
- **Flag:** The current design (3:2 ratio) has been in use since April 28, 1960.
- **Coat of Arms:** Referred to as the Emblem of Togo.
- **Motto:** "Travail, Liberté, Patrie" (also translated as "Work, Liberty, Homeland" and "Arbeit, Freiheit, Vaterland" in German).

**Technical Identifiers:**
- **ISO 3166-1:** Alpha-2: TG, Alpha-3: TGO, Numeric: 768
- **IOC Code:** TOG
- **ITU Letter Code:** TGO
- **UNDP Code:** TOG
- **Wikidata ID:** Q945
- **Unicode Character:** 🇹🇬

### International Relations and Organizations
Togo is an active participant in global and regional affairs. It joined the United Nations on September 20, 1960. It is also a member of the African Union, the World Trade Organization, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

**Notable Memberships and Dates:**
- **Organisation of Islamic Cooperation:** Joined 1997
- **World Bank Group:** Member of IBRD (1962), IDA (1962), IFC (1962), MIGA (1988), ICSID (1967)
- **African Development Bank:** Member
- **Interpol:** Member since 1960
- **Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons:** Member since 1997
- **UNESCO:** Member since 1960
- **Universal Postal Union:** Member since 1962
- **International Telecommunication Union:** Member since 1961
- **Organisation internationale de la Francophonie:** Member since 1970
- **World Meteorological Organization:** Member since 1960
- **World Health Organization:** Member
- **Commonwealth of Nations:** Admitted June 25, 2022
- **World Customs Organization:** Member since 1990
- **African Continental Free Trade Area:** Signatory

Togo also engages in specific UN operations and international frameworks, such as the United Nations–African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

### Health and Social Metrics
Social indicators provide insight into the living conditions in Togo.
- **Marriageable Age:** 20 years for males, 17 years for females.
- **Emergency Numbers:** Fire department (118), Police (117, 171, 172).
- **Happy Planet Index:** Scored 37.3 in 2019.
- **Education:** The number of out-of-school children was estimated at 547,181 in 2000 (preferred value).

### Academic and External References
Togo is cataloged in numerous bibliographic and geographic databases:
- **Library of Congress ID:** n80061115
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID:** 11865648s
- **Getty Thesaurus ID:** 7016577
- **Geonames ID:** 2363686
- **MusicBrainz Area ID:** 9a4a20b1-eff0-364a-a157-dc709b07eadc
- **VIAF ID:** 130758453

The country is the subject of various academic disciplines, including "Togolese studies" and has specific "outline of Togo" documentation on Wikimedia projects. It is also indexed in encyclopedias such as the Encyclopædia Britannica, the Great Russian Encyclopedia, and Brockhaus Enzyklopädie.

## References

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35. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
36. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS?locations=TG)
37. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
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50. UMLS 2023