GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Togo.
Capital
Lomé.
Geography
As a country located in Africa according to localcollegeexplorer, Togo borders Burkina Faso to the north, Benin to the east and Ghana to the west; in the south the Atlantic Ocean forms a natural border. The narrow land rises behind the coastal lagoons and swamp plains to form a hilly plateau. In the north it descends to a large plain that is irrigated by the Oti River. The interior is densely forested, while savannah extends to the north and south. The Mono River flows into the sea in the east. Endless palm-fringed sandy beaches are typical of the narrow stretch of coast between Lomé and Cotonou.
Government
Presidential republic since 1967. Constitution from 1992, last amendment 1998. Unicameral parliament with 81 members. Independent since 1960 (former French trust territory).
Head of state
Faure Gnassingbé, since 2005.
Head of government
Komi Selom Klassou, since June 2015.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz. In Togo you don’t need a special adapter for devices. In most hotels, the power supply is guaranteed by 230 volts. But you should definitely take safety devices with you for computers or sensitive devices.
Time zone
Greenwich Mean Time: CET -1
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Aside from formal business meetings and social occasions, tropical clothing is quite welcome. Business cards and appointments in advance are common. French is the language of business.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Economy
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie du Togo (CCAIT) (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Avenue Georges Pompidou, BP 360, Lomé
Tel: 21 70 65.
Internet: www.ccit.tg
Business contacts
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie du Togo (CCAIT) (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Avenue Georges Pompidou, BP 360, Lomé
Tel: 21 70 65.
Internet: www.ccit.tg
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing. The national telephone company is called Togo Telecom (Internet: www.togotel.net.tg). International calls can easily be made from hotels. However, calls at post offices or in public or commercial telephone booths are cheaper.
Cellphone
GSM 900. Network operators are Togo Cell (Internet: www.togocel.tg) and Telecel Togo (Internet: www.telecel.tg). Togo Cell’s mobile network covers the whole country and Telecel Togo covers all major cities. Roaming contracts exist with mobile phone companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among others. The cellular network based on a prepaid card is very well developed.
Internet
Internet provider is Togo Telecom (Internet: www.togotel.net.tg). Internet cafes are available nationwide.
Post Office
Poste restante shipments are possible, the service is very reliable. Airmail shipments to Europe take up to two weeks on the move. Mail traffic between Togo and Europe is relatively fast and only takes four to six days. The main post office is on avenue de la Liberation, in the city center. There are also secondary offices everywhere. There is also a post office in every large town. The opening times are Mon to Fri from 7.30 a.m. to noon and 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., Sat from 7.30 a.m. to noon. Postage stamps and mailboxes can be found in most large hotels.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Wax prints, indigo fabrics, kente and color print fabrics from Ghana, embroidery, batik and lace from Holland, gold and silver jewelry, masks and wooden sculptures. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5.30 p.m., Sat 7.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
Accommodation that meets international standards is only available in Lomé and Lama-Kara, but there are hotels in all major cities. Advance booking is recommended. More information from the Direction des Professions Touristiques (see addresses).
Camping
There are free campsites, but camping is not recommended.
CULTURE
Religion
51% followers of natural religions, 29% Christians, 20% Muslims (Sunnis).
Social rules of conduct
The diverse colonial heritage of Togo is particularly evident in the various Christian influences and European languages. Practical, casual attire is appropriate, but swimwear should only be worn on the beach or in the swimming pool. Tip: If not included in the bill, 10%; Taxi drivers don’t usually expect tips.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Not quite as hot as in other countries on the West African coast – the harmattan from the north blows from December to January, the rainy season lasts from April to July. The hottest months are February and March.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +228 Area (sqkm) 56785 Population 7552318 Population density (per sqkm) 133 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 117
