Land of pleasant surprises!
FIFA World Cup
Did you know- Despite its difficult history – the country’s sports system is one of the worst in the world – Togo, led by the management of Otto Pfister, became one of 32 teams in the FIFA World Cup in 2006, ahead of Norway, Peru, the People’s Republic of China, and 120 other countries and dependencies. At the world tournament in Germany, Togo, one of the poorest states in sub-Saharan Africa, was one of the top 13 teams from developing countries in the world. Since the end of the 20th century, soccer has been the national sport in the African country. Behind soccer, athletics and boxing are the most popular sports.
Geography
Did you know? Geographically, the modern republic of Togo is one of the smallest countries on Earth. It covers about 21,900 square miles (56,785 square kilometers). Togo is a nation located along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea (southern West Africa) and is bordered by Burkina Faso (once called Upper Volta) to the north, Benin (formerly Dahomey) to the east, and Ghana (formerly the Gold Coast). ). ) to the west. In addition, it borders the Atlantic Ocean to the south, where there are many lagoons and tropical beaches. Much of the country is covered by hills, mountains, and thick forests. On the other hand, there are at least four rivers: the Haho, the Mono (navigable/the largest river in the country), the Kara and the Oti. Like its neighbors, it has a tropical climate. Mount Agou (3,940 ft/1,200 m) is the highest point in the country. This French-speaking republic has more than 7,500 kilometers of modern highways. Finally, most of the population is concentrated on the coast.
Lome
Did you know that Lomé, the modern capital of the African nation, is located on the coast of Togo? Besides the capital city, other important cities are: Sokode, Kpalimé, Atakpame and Bassari.
local idols
Did you know that Benjamin Kudjow Thomas Boukpeti, who has dual Togolese-French citizenship, is considered the best athlete in the country? Why? He became a national symbol when, against all odds, he won a bronze medal in the kayak k-1 slalom event at the XXIX Olympiad Games in the People’s Republic of China. Togo athlete Boukpeti returned home to a hero’s welcome. Mr. Boukpeti was born on August 4, 1981 in Lagny-sur-Mame, France.
Ecotourism
Did you know that 17 percent of Togo has lush forests? Therefore, this tiny country is a paradise for ecotourism in West Africa. Distinguished wildlife sanctuaries in Togo include the Keran National Park and the Fazao & Malkasa Nature Reserve, home to much of the country’s rich biodiversity. Without a doubt, the nation’s game sanctuaries and national parks are unique. The park offers an ideal place for crocodiles, monkeys, lions, hyenas and other wild animals and sea birds. Exotic birds that live in the country include sparrows, drongos, and grebes. Meanwhile, the Akloa waterfalls are considered among the wonders of the country.
Diplomatic relations
Did you know that Togo has maintained good ties with Paris for more than four decades and shares many cooperation programs? On the other hand, almost all African countries have diplomatic relations with Togo.
anti-apartheid leader
Did you know? During the Cold War, this black republic strongly opposed apartheid in South Africa. Because of this, the 1976 Montreal Olympics were boycotted by Togo, along with several black-ruled nations, such as Zaire (now the DR Congo) and Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso).
United Nations
Did you know? At the time of independence in the early 1960s, Togo became a member of the United Nations.
Economic Sciences
Did you know that cotton is the main export? Other important exports are coffee and phosphates.
Ethnic group
Did you know that this French-speaking nation is a multiracial society of more than 30 ethnic groups, all united under the red, green and yellow national flag? The nation has been free of tribal rivalries since the 1960s.
modern history
Did you know that since the latter part of the 20th century, the tiny nation of Togo is the sixth largest black-ruled republic in the world, after Haiti (1804), Liberia (1847), Ethiopia (1896), Sudan (1956) and Guinea (1958).
