Togo

French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA, installed as military ruler in 1967, continued to rule into the 21st century. Despite the facade of multiparty elections instituted in the early 1990s, the government continued to be dominated by President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party has maintained power almost continually since 1967. Togo has come under fire from international organizations for human rights abuses and is plagued by political unrest. While most bilateral and multilateral aid to Togo remains frozen, the EU initiated a partial resumption of cooperation and development aid to Togo in late 2004 based upon commitments by Togo to expand opportunities for political opposition and liberalize portions of the economy. Upon his death in February 2005, President EYADEMA was succeeded by his son Faure GNASSINGBE. The succession, supported by the military and in contravention of the nation's constitution, was challenged by popular protest and a threat of sanctions from regional leaders. GNASSINGBE succumbed to pressure and in April 2005 held elections that legitimized his succession. Legislative elections are scheduled for June 2007.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 5,701,579

Nationality (Noun): Togolese (singular and plural)

Nationality (Adjective): Togolese

Official Language(s): French

Major Languages Spoken: Ewe, French, Yoruba

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Togolese Republic

Country Name (short form): Togo

Country Name (local long form): Republique togolaise

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Lome

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Togo: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana

Land Area: 54385 sq km

Water Area: 2400 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than West Virginia

Total Land Boundry: 1,647 km

Coastline: 56 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 27 April (1960)

International Phone Code: 228

Currency Code: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF)

Internet Country Code: .tg

US Embassy Location: Angle Rue Kouenou and Rue 15 Beniglato, Lome

US Embassy Mailing Address: B. P. 852, Lome

Services In, and Related to Togo

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