Nestled in the heart of West Africa, Togo is a prime destination for expats seeking adventure, culture, and business opportunities. Founded as a German protectorate in 1884, Togo gained independence in 1960 and has since established itself as a democratic representative in the region. The country's stable political climate, favorable economic policies, and improving infrastructure have attracted foreign investment and employment. Expats living in Togo enjoy a diverse array of cultural experiences, from colorful festivals and traditional music to crisp beaches and lush rainforests.
Expat destinations in Togo
Demographics of Togo:
Ethnic groups
Togo is predominantly an Akan society with over 6 million people (approx. 72.5% of the Togolese population), followed by Ewe (18.0%), Mina (4.8%), and other ethnic groups (4.7%).
Languages
French is the official language spoken by 54.5% of the population, followed by Ewe (26.5%), Mina (10.0%), and various ethnic languages constituting the remaining population.
Religion Overview
Togo is a predominantly Christian country, with Catholicism, Protestantism, and Adventism being the most widely practiced religions. Muslims, Animists, and traditional African religions constitute the remaining faiths.
Major Religions
Climate
Togo has a tropical climate with hot, humid conditions year-round. The rainy season lasts from April to July, while the dry season lasts from October to April. The coast experiences less rainfall compared to the interior of the country.
Economy Overview
Togo has a growing economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately USD 8 billion as of 2021. The country's economy is export-oriented, with cocoa, coffee, and phosphates being the primary exports. Togo is also investing in renewable energy and IT infrastructure to diversify its economy.
Key Industries
- Agriculture
- Services
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Construction
Major Companies
- GSCO (Gruppo Sportivo Calcio Osterrichio)
- Togo Coca-Cola Bottling Company
- La Tiramisù (coffee manufacturer)
- Toyota Tsushu (automotive company)
- Fotone Togolese (electrical appliances manufacturer)
Culture and Language Overview
Togo's vibrant culture is a blend of traditional African practices and Christian and Western influences. The country'scolorful festivals, such as the Fête du Koute, Yovovi Agbéyefa, and Mawu, celebrate cultural heritage and promote unity. Ewe and Mina are spoken by the majority of Togolese, while Borom, Konkomba, and Gourmantche are spoken among the ethnic minorities.
Cultural Highlights
- Fête du Koute: Celebrated in late February, this festival marks the end of the harvest season and involves agricultural rituals, dance, music, and food.
- Yovovi Agbéyefa: Celebrated annually in June, this festival is dedicated to education and intellectualism and features debates, quizzes, and cultural presentations.
- Mawu: Celebrated on January 10th, this festival commemorates the death of King Tégle shared by the Togolese, Beninese, and Ghanaian peoples.
- Traditional masks: Handcrafted masks depicting various mythological characters and animals are a symbol of Togo's rich artistic heritage.
- Adinkra symbols: These ancient symbols, derived from Ghanaian Asante tradition, are used in Togolese textile art and serve as cultural motifs for clothing and accessories.
Geography and Landmarks Overview
Togo covers an area of approximately 56,700 square kilometers, bordering Ghana and Benin. Nearly two-thirds of the country's landmass is covered by lush rainforests, providing dwelling to several endangered species, while the remaining area is predominantly savannah grasslands. Togo's coastline spans approximately 56 kilometers along the Gulf of Guinea.
Notable Landmarks
- Castle of Kèlè: An ancient fortified castle in Lomé that once served as the governor's residence and now houses a museum showcasing Togolese history.
- Anfundéu: An ancient royal residence and cultural center in Bassarè associated with early European contact.
- Route des Rois: A scenic route through several Togolese regions, including Kpalimé and Tsévié, lined with traditional crafts and souvenir shops.
- Atakpamé Market: One of Africa’s largest and most bustling markets, featuring a wide variety of traditional African handicrafts, textiles, and produce.
- Togo Grand Marché: Located in Lomé, this vibrant marketplace is a hub for Togolese and West African cuisine, culturalexperiences, and daily life.
National Holidays
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Commémoration of the Revolution (January 13)
- Labour Day (May 1)
- Africa Day (May 25)
- Whit Monday (Date varies)
- Assumption Day (August 15)
- Independence Day (August 1)
- All Saint's Day (November 1)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Political Stability
Togo is one of West Africa's more politically stable nations, with a peaceful transition of power in 1993 after years of turbulent political upheavals. The country has a multi-party electoral system, with regular elections held for President, Assembly, and Senate.
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