Togo

National name

République Togolaise

Government

Republic transitioning to multiparty democratic rule.

Geography
Togo, is on the south coast of West Africa. The Gulf of Guinea coastline, only 32 mi long (51 km), is low and sandy. The only port is at Lomé. The Togo hills traverse the central section.

Historical Background
French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA, installed as military ruler in 1967, continued to rule well 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. 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.

Capital

Lomé

Government 

Republic

-President Faure Gnassingbé 

-Prime Minister Gilbert Houngbo[1]

Area

Total 56,785 km2 (125th) 21,925 sq mi

Population:     

2009 estimate 6,619,000[2] (101st1)

Currency

CFA franc (XOF)