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Togo
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Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
Cultural Attributes
Togo is a country rich in culture and tradition, which is reflected in its music, art, dance, and cuisine. Togolese culture is influenced by various ethnic groups, such as the Ewe, Mina, Kabye, and Cotocoli, among others. In this article, we will explore some of the key aspects of Togolese culture.
Music
Music is an essential part of Togolese culture. Traditional music is played on a variety of instruments, including the kora (a harp-like instrument), the balafon (a type of xylophone), and the ngoni (a lute-like instrument). Traditional Togolese music is characterized by its rhythm, which is often lively and upbeat. The music is also used for cultural and religious celebrations.
Dance
Dance is another important aspect of Togolese culture. Traditional dances are performed at various events, including weddings, funerals, and festivals. The dances are usually accompanied by music and are performed in traditional attire, which often includes colorful costumes and masks. Some of the most popular dances in Togo include the Agbadja, Adevu, and Kamou.
Art
Togolese art is influenced by its history and culture. Traditional art is characterized by its use of natural materials, such as wood, clay, and woven fabrics. The art often depicts scenes from daily life or cultural events. Togolese artists are also known for their intricate carvings, which are often used in masks, statues, and other decorative objects.
Cuisine
Togolese cuisine is influenced by its history and location. It is characterized by its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes in Togo include fufu (a starchy staple made from cassava), grilled fish, and yam-based dishes. Togolese cuisine also includes a variety of spices and sauces, which add flavor and depth to the dishes.
Religion
Religion is an important part of Togolese culture. The majority of the population practices traditional African religions, which involve the worship of various spirits and deities. However, there is also a significant Christian and Muslim population in the country. The practice of traditional African religion often involves rituals, such as sacrifices and offerings, which are performed to honor the spirits and seek their favor.
Land of the Gulf's Golden Trade
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Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation
Holidays
Independence Day
4/27Independence Day
Dates of Interest
- November
This cultural festival celebrates the diverse ethnic groups and traditions of Togo. It features music, dance, art, and traditional cuisine, and is an opportunity for people from different parts of the country to come together and celebrate their heritage.
How do people greet each other in Togo?
Greetings are an important sign of respect and courtesy, and typically include a firm handshake with a smile, or placing your right hand over your heart. Take time to greet properly and inquire about the person's well-being.
Do
- Offer a firm but not too tight handshake with a smile
- Place your right hand over your heart as a sign of respect
- Use verbal greetings like "Bonjour," "Bonsoir," and "Comment ça va?"
- Bow slightly when greeting someone of higher social status
Don’t
- Don't rush through greetings
- Don't ignore someone when greeting them
Good to know
- Cheek kissing is common, especially among women, with two or three kisses depending on the region
- The style of greeting can vary by region and relationship
What are the dining customs in Togo?
When invited to someone's home for a meal, wash your hands first and wait for the host to begin eating. Popular dishes include fufu, grilled fish, and yam-based dishes.
Do
- Wash your hands before eating
- Wait for the host to begin eating before you start
- Leave a small amount of food on your plate to show you've had enough
What etiquette should I know when visiting someone's home in Togo?
Show respect through modest dress, gift-giving, and deference to elders. Removing your shoes before entering a home is considered respectful.
Do
- Remove your shoes before entering someone's home
- Bring a small gift such as candy or a souvenir from your home country
- Bring a gift for the host's children
- Stand up when an older person enters the room and address elders as "Mama" or "Papa"
Good to know
- Learning a few phrases in French or a local language, such as "hello" and "thank you," shows respect
- Respect for elders is highly valued in Togolese culture
How should I dress in Togo?
Togo has a generally conservative dress code, and visitors should dress modestly, especially at religious or cultural sites. Revealing clothing is considered inappropriate in public.
Do
- Dress modestly, especially at religious or cultural sites
Don’t
- Don't wear revealing clothing in public
- Avoid shorts or sleeveless shirts in certain settings, where they may be seen as disrespectful
Good to know
- Western-style clothing like jeans and t-shirts is common in urban areas
- Traditional attire, such as the Kabye "fari" and the Ewe "kente," is worn during ceremonies and festivals
What gestures should I be aware of in Togo?
Gestures are important in communication; nodding indicates agreement and a thumbs up is positive, but pointing with the index finger is considered impolite.
Do
- Nod to indicate agreement, understanding, or to acknowledge someone
- Give a thumbs up to show approval or encouragement
- Use your whole hand, chin, or lips to indicate a direction
Don’t
- Don't point with your index finger, as it is considered impolite
Good to know
- Shaking the head side to side indicates disagreement or that something isn't understood
- Rubbing the fingers together indicates money or payment
What is family life like in Togo?
Families are typically extended and multigenerational, with close-knit ties and a strong emphasis on respect for elders and education. The father usually heads the family, while women often manage the household and raise children.
Do
- Show deference to elders, sometimes through bowing or touching an elder's feet
Good to know
- Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins often live nearby and help raise children
- Weddings, funerals, and other events are celebrated with great ceremony
- Education is highly valued and academic achievement is strongly encouraged
What is there to do for recreation in Togo?
Togo offers diverse recreation including football (the most popular sport), beaches along the Gulf of Guinea, national parks, cultural sites, and lively nightlife in urban areas.
Good to know
- Enjoy traditional music and dance performances at cultural festivals
- Relax at beaches such as Aneho, Lome, and Baguida
- Visit national parks like Fazao-Malfakassa and Keran, or the Koutammakou Cultural Landscape
- Explore cultural sites like the Akodessewa Fetish Market and the Grand Marché in Lomé
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Photos of Togo
Photos of Togo
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
- Time Difference
- UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
- Climate
- The country is divided climatically into southern and northern zones. The southern tropical average temperatures fluctuate between 70°F and 80°F , with February and March the hottest months, and June, July, and August the coolest. Humidity is high (80%-90%) most of the year. The major dry season extends from the end of November to the end of March; August and early September are also sometimes quite dry. Equatorial conditions in the mountains of Togo support the country’s only rain forest. Northern temperatures fluctuate between 65°F and over 100°F, and humidity is less than in the south. The northern zone has one rainy and one dry season. In December-January, a cool, dry, dust-laden *quot;harmattan" wind from the Sahara sweeps across the land.
- Airports
- 9
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideRecipes
Recipes
History
History
Historical Eras
Pre-Colonial Era
1200 – 1884
Ewe-speaking peoples migrated into the region from the Niger River valley between the 12th and 14th centuries, establishing the cultural foundation of modern Togo. Portuguese traders arrived along the coast in the 15th and 16th centuries, and for two centuries afterward the region became a major hub of the Atlantic slave trade, earning the grim designation 'The Slave Coast.' Danish and other European traders maintained coastal footholds, reshaping local societies and economies through commerce and conflict.
German Togoland
1884 – 1914
In 1884, Germany declared a protectorate over coastal territory following the Treaty of Togoville, then steadily extended control inland. Togoland became Germany's only self-financing colonial possession, celebrated as a model colony for its administrative efficiency and export agriculture of cocoa, cotton, and palm oil. Infrastructure including roads and railways was developed, though at the cost of forced labor and subjugation of local populations.
Franco-British Mandate
1914 – 1960
French and British forces invaded and seized Togoland in August 1914 with minimal resistance, and after World War I the territory was divided as a League of Nations mandate between the two powers. Following World War II it became a UN trust territory; in 1957 British Togoland voted to join Ghana, while French Togo gained increasing autonomy, adopting a constitution in 1956 and electing Sylvanus Olympio as prime minister in 1958.
Independence & First Republic
1960 – 1967
Togo became fully independent on April 27, 1960, with Sylvanus Olympio as its first president under a constitution granting strong executive authority. Olympio dissolved opposition parties in 1962, provoking deep political tensions that culminated in his assassination on January 13, 1963 — Africa's first post-independence coup. Nicolas Grunitzky assumed the presidency under a new multi-party constitution, but his government remained unstable and was ultimately overthrown by the military in January 1967.
Eyadéma One-Party State
1967 – 1991
General Gnassingbé Eyadéma seized power on January 13, 1967, and abolished political parties, ruling through the Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) as the sole legal party from 1969 onward. His government pursued a policy of 'authenticity,' nationalizing the phosphate industry and consolidating an authoritarian personality cult. International human rights organizations repeatedly criticized the regime for abuses, while economic performance deteriorated through the 1980s.
Contested Pluralism
1991 – present
A National Conference in 1991 briefly transferred power to a transitional government, and a new constitution approved in 1992 nominally established multiparty democracy. Eyadéma and the RPT nonetheless retained effective control through manipulated elections, military intimidation, and political violence, drawing sustained criticism from international bodies and the suspension of most bilateral and multilateral aid. Following Eyadéma's death in 2005, his son Faure Gnassingbé assumed the presidency, perpetuating the family's political dominance into the 21st century.
Overview
The Ewes moved into the area which is now Togo from the Niger River valley between the 12th and 14th centuries. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese explorers and traders visited the coast. For the next 200 years, the coastal region was a major raiding center for Europeans in search of slaves, earning Togo and the surrounding region the name "The Slave Coast.
Timeline of Key Events
1700
Coastal area occupied by Danes.
Coastal area occupied by Danes.
1914
British, French forces seize Togoland.
British, French forces seize Togoland.
1960
Gained independence.
Gained independence.
1992
New constitution approved.
New constitution approved.
2003
Togo sends 150 soldiers to Liberia to bolster a West African peacekeeping force.
Togo sends 150 soldiers to Liberia to bolster a West African peacekeeping force.
2004
European Union restores partial diplomatic relations.
European Union restores partial diplomatic relations. Ties were broken in 1993 over violence and democratic shortcomings.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
The coastal area of Togo was part of the West African "Slave Coast".
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes
- Climate
- The country is divided climatically into southern and northern zones. The southern tropical average temperatures fluctuate between 70°F and 80°F , with February and March the hottest months, and June, July, and August the coolest. Humidity is high (80%-90%) most of the year. The major dry season extends from the end of November to the end of March; August and early September are also sometimes quite dry. Equatorial conditions in the mountains of Togo support the country’s only rain forest. Northern temperatures fluctuate between 65°F and over 100°F, and humidity is less than in the south. The northern zone has one rainy and one dry season. In December-January, a cool, dry, dust-laden *quot;harmattan" wind from the Sahara sweeps across the land.
- Natural Hazards
- hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during winter; periodic droughts
- Current Environmental Issues
- deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; water pollution presents health hazards and hinders the fishing industry; air pollution increasing in urban areas
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina (the two major African languages in the south), Kabye (sometimes spelled Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the north)
- French
- Yoruba
Population
- Population
- 8,986,000
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- LOME (capital) 1.524 million
- Nationality Noun
- Togolese (singular and plural)
- Ethnic Groups
- native African (37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe, Mina, and Kabre) 99%, European and Syrian-Lebanese less than 1%
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
Health Information
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Togo stands at approximately 61 to 63 years for the overall population, reflecting modest but steady improvements over recent decades. Women in Togo generally outlive men, with female life expectancy estimated at around 63 to 64 years compared to roughly 60 to 61 years for males. These figures place Togo below the global average of approximately 73 years, though the country has made measurable progress since the 1960s, when life expectancy hovered closer to 40 years. This improvement reflects gradual advances in public health infrastructure, increased access to vaccinations, and expanded maternal and child healthcare services. Several key health challenges continue to constrain life expectancy in Togo. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death, particularly among children under five years of age. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and respiratory infections also contribute significantly to premature mortality. Access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation remains limited in many rural areas, increasing vulnerability to waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. Malnutrition is another persistent concern, especially in the northern regions of the country where food insecurity is more pronounced. Undernourishment weakens immune systems and compounds the effects of infectious diseases, reducing survival rates among young children and the elderly. The healthcare system in Togo faces structural limitations including a shortage of trained medical personnel, underfunded facilities, and uneven geographic distribution of services. Urban centers such as Lomé tend to have greater access to hospitals and clinics, while rural communities often rely on community health workers and traditional medicine. On the positive side, Togo has participated in regional and international health initiatives targeting vaccine-preventable diseases, and child mortality rates have declined meaningfully over time. Government and NGO-led programs focusing on maternal health have helped reduce complications during childbirth, contributing to incremental gains in overall life expectancy. Togo has also made progress in expanding coverage of insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial treatments, which has helped reduce malaria-related mortality, particularly among young children. As Togo continues to develop economically and invest in its public health sector, further improvements in life expectancy are anticipated, though significant challenges remain before the country reaches regional or global averages.
- Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
- very high
Life Expectancy
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Togo stands at approximately 61 to 63 years for the overall population, reflecting modest but steady improvements over recent decades. Women in Togo generally outlive men, with female life expectancy estimated at around 63 to 64 years compared to roughly 60 to 61 years for males. These figures place Togo below the global average of approximately 73 years, though the country has made measurable progress since the 1960s, when life expectancy hovered closer to 40 years. This improvement reflects gradual advances in public health infrastructure, increased access to vaccinations, and expanded maternal and child healthcare services. Several key health challenges continue to constrain life expectancy in Togo. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death, particularly among children under five years of age. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and respiratory infections also contribute significantly to premature mortality. Access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation remains limited in many rural areas, increasing vulnerability to waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. Malnutrition is another persistent concern, especially in the northern regions of the country where food insecurity is more pronounced. Undernourishment weakens immune systems and compounds the effects of infectious diseases, reducing survival rates among young children and the elderly. The healthcare system in Togo faces structural limitations including a shortage of trained medical personnel, underfunded facilities, and uneven geographic distribution of services. Urban centers such as Lomé tend to have greater access to hospitals and clinics, while rural communities often rely on community health workers and traditional medicine. On the positive side, Togo has participated in regional and international health initiatives targeting vaccine-preventable diseases, and child mortality rates have declined meaningfully over time. Government and NGO-led programs focusing on maternal health have helped reduce complications during childbirth, contributing to incremental gains in overall life expectancy. Togo has also made progress in expanding coverage of insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial treatments, which has helped reduce malaria-related mortality, particularly among young children. As Togo continues to develop economically and invest in its public health sector, further improvements in life expectancy are anticipated, though significant challenges remain before the country reaches regional or global averages.
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- Togo
- Full Country Name
- Togolese Republic
- Local - Long
- Republique Togolaise
- Former Name
- French Togoland
Government Structure
- Government Type
- republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule
- Legal System
- French-based court system
- Executive Branch
- chief of state: President Faure GNASSINGBE (since 6 February 2005); note - Gnassingbe EYADEMA, who had ruled Togo since 1967, died on 5 February 2005 and was succeeded by his son, Faure GNASSINGBE; popular elections subsequently validated the succession, and GNASSINGBE has since been re-elected multiple times, most recently in February 2020 head of government: Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah DOGBE (since 28 September 2020); note - DOGBE became Togo's first female prime minister upon her appointment cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and the prime minister elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 22 February 2020 (next to be held in 2025); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Faure GNASSINGBE re-elected president in 2020; percent of vote - Faure GNASSINGBE 72.4%, Agbeyome KODJO 18.4%, Jean-Pierre FABRE 4.4%, other candidates combined approximately 4.8%
- Legislative Branch
- Unicameral National Assembly (113 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) Elections: last held on 29 April 2024 (next to be held in 2029) Election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - UNIR 108, NET 1, ADDI 1, independents 3 Note: Togo transitioned to a parliamentary system under a new constitution adopted in 2024, shifting executive power away from the presidency toward a Council of Ministers led by a President of the Council. The National Assembly continues to serve as the country's sole legislative chamber, though its role has been significantly elevated under the restructured system of government.
- Judicial Branch
- Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme
- Suffrage
- NA years of age; universal adult
- Constitution
- multiparty draft constitution approved by High Council of the Republic 1 July 1992; adopted by public referendum 27 September 1992
- Independence
- 27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)
- National Holiday
- Independence Day, 27 April (1960)
Capital City
- Capital Name
- Lome
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 6 07 N, 1 13 E
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Lome comes from "alotime" which in the native Ewe language means "among the alo plants"; alo trees dominated the city's original founding site
Military
Branches: Togolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Togolaise, FAT): Togolese Army (l'Armee de Terre), Togolese Navy (Forces Naval Togolaises), Togolese Air Force (Force Aerienne Togolaise, TAF), National Gendarmerie
Embassy / Diplomatic Mission
Embassy Lomé
The U.S. Embassy is located on Boulevard Eyadema, Neighborhood Cité OUA, in Lomé, Togo. The local mailing address is B.P. 852, Lomé.
Telephone: (228) 22 61 54 70
Facsimile: (228) 22 61 54 99
Email: consularlome@state.gov
Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.
View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Togo's small sub-Saharan economy remains heavily dependent on both commercial and subsistence agriculture, which provides employment for roughly 60% of the labor force and accounts for about 20% of GDP.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF)
- GDP — official exchange rate
- $1,999,000,000 (USD)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- 5.3%
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
Reuben and apple pie empanadas? This new Connecticut spot has both. - New Haven Register
New Haven Register · 6h ago
Logistics: UPRAD-Togo makes a historic first in Francophone West Africa - Financial Afrik
Financial Afrik · 13h ago
Togolese Protesters Demand Old Constitution Back - globalpost.com
globalpost.com · 1d ago
Protesters in Togo call for return to previous constitution - africanews.com
africanews.com · 2d ago
Burkina - Martial arts: the Saaba Open opens to the sub-region with the participation of Togo - Sport News Africa
Sport News Africa · 21h ago
Revitalizing a rural health center in Togo - Peace Corps (.gov)
Peace Corps (.gov) · 19d ago
WFP Togo Country Brief, July 2026 - ReliefWeb
ReliefWeb · 6d ago
Togo opposition groups demand old constitution back - WION
WION · 16h ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
The country is divided climatically into southern and northern zones. The southern tropical average temperatures fluctuate between 70°F and 80°F , with February and March the hottest months, and June, July, and August the coolest. Humidity is high (80%-90%) most of the year. The major dry season extends from the end of November to the end of March; August and early September are also sometimes quite dry.
Equatorial conditions in the mountains of Togo support the country’s only rain forest.
Northern temperatures fluctuate between 65°F and over 100°F, and humidity is less than in the south. The northern zone has one rainy and one dry season. In December-January, a cool, dry, dust-laden *quot;harmattan" wind from the Sahara sweeps across the land.
Videos
Videos
1 curated YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Togo?
How do people greet each other in Togo?
What are the dining customs in Togo?
What etiquette should I know when visiting someone's home in Togo?
How should I dress in Togo?
What gestures should I be aware of in Togo?
What is family life like in Togo?
What is there to do for recreation in Togo?
What is the capital of Togo?
Where is Togo located?
What countries border Togo?
What religion is practiced in Togo?
What is the currency of Togo?
What languages are spoken in Togo?
What is the geography of Togo like?
What is Togo known for?
Last reviewed 2026