Plan your trip to Lomé, Togo

Togo, in Western Africa between Benin and Ghana, stretches through six different geographic regions with climates ranging from tropical to savanna. From the Gulf of Guinea, the country reaches 360 miles north but only 100 miles across at its broadest point. The Ewe in the south and the Kabye in the north are the two largest of more than 20 ethnic groups that make up a total population of around 6.3 million people.

The Ewes moved into the area from the Niger River valley beginning in the 12th century. In the 15th century, Portuguese traders visited the coast which would soon become a major source for Europeans in search of slaves for the next 200 years, earning the region the name “The Slave Coast.” Following this despicable period, Germany declared a protectorate over the territory and Togoland became its only self-supporting colony. After World War I, Togoland was divided for administrative purposed between France and the United Kingdom, French Togoland became Togo in 1960.  

Currently, Togo faces political uncertainty and a stagnant economy. Such difficulties have prevented investment in the tourism industry and facilities are limited, particularly beyond the capital of Lomé.