Country Profile: Togo

Togo is a small West African nation strategically located along the Bight of Benin, bordered by Benin to the east and Ghana to the west. The country is characterized by a diverse geography, including tropical coastal regions, rolling savannas, and a semiarid north. With a population projected to be over 9 million in 2025, Togo has a predominantly agrarian economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly in cassava and maize production, while also benefiting from phosphate mining. Togo's governance has seen gradual shifts towards democracy, but political tensions and civil unrest continue to challenge social stability.

Geography

Togo spans an area of 56,785 sq km, making it slightly smaller than West Virginia, and features a varied terrain ranging from gently rolling hills in the north to a low coastal plain in the south. The climate is predominantly tropical, becoming semiarid in the north. Its coastline stretches 56 km along the Atlantic, and the country has 1,880 km of land boundaries with Benin, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.

Highest point: Mont Agou at 986 m.
Agricultural land: 70.2% of total land as of 2023.
Natural hazards: Periodic droughts and harmattan winds that reduce visibility.
Population density: Among the highest in Africa, particularly in southern coastal regions.

People and Society

The estimated population of Togo is 9,143,439 in 2025, with a youthful demographic structure where 38.7% are aged 0-14. The population comprises multiple ethnic groups, with the Adja-Ewe and Kabye being the largest. French is the official language, while various local languages such as Ewe and Kabye are spoken. Religiously, the population is predominantly Christian (42.3%) followed by folk beliefs and Islam.

Median age: 20.9 years.
Urban population: 44.5% as of 2023.
Literacy rate: 72.6% as of 2022.
Life expectancy: 72.1 years (2024 est.).

Economy

Togo's economy is primarily agrarian and remains classified as low-income, with significant portions of the population living in poverty. The country has a strategic deep-water port that supports its growing shipping industry. Key economic sectors include phosphate mining, agricultural processing, and services. Economic growth is bolstered by reforms in public budgeting and increasing investment.

GDP (PPP): Estimated at $27.115 billion in 2024.
Real GDP growth rate: 5.3% forecast for 2024.
Unemployment rate: A low 2% as of 2024.
Population below poverty line: 45.5% (2018 est.).

Government

Togo is a presidential republic, with a legal system based on customary laws. The current government has experienced significant shifts since the post-independence era, striving for democratic reforms under President Faure Gnassingbé. Legislative power is divided between a bicameral parliament and multiple political parties, with a recent push towards more inclusive political representation.

Capital: Lomé.
Independence: Achieved on April 27, 1960.
Recent constitutional changes: Adopted in May 2024 to convert to a parliamentary system.
Voting age: Universal suffrage at 18 years.

Military and Security

The Togolese Armed Forces (FAT) comprise the army, navy, air force, and national gendarmerie. Togo faces internal security challenges, particularly from extremist groups operating in the region, and has undertaken reforms to professionalize its military. Budget allocations for defense are significant relative to GDP, and the military is involved in various peacekeeping efforts.

Military expenditure: 2.2% of GDP in 2024.
Active personnel: Approximately 20,000 (2025 est.).
Service age: 18 years with a 24-month obligation.
Primary concerns: Border security and combating terrorism.

Energy

Togo's energy sector is evolving, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from fossil fuels. Access to electricity remains limited, especially in rural areas, despite efforts to enhance capacity. The country has been gradually incorporating renewable energy sources, including solar power.

Electricity access: 57.2% of the total population (2022 est.).
Installed capacity: 326,000 kW (2023 est.).
Electricity consumption: 1.815 billion kWh in 2023.
Total energy consumption per capita: 4.538 million Btu/person (2023 est.).

Environment

Togo faces numerous environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification, and water pollution. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at combating these issues and promoting sustainable development.

Forest cover: Approximately 22.4% of land area (2023 est.).
Water pollution: Significant due to agricultural runoff and urban waste.
Carbon dioxide emissions: Estimated at 2.656 million metric tonnes (2023 est.).
Municipal solid waste generated: About 1.109 million tons annually (2024 est.).

Transportation

Togo features a developing transportation infrastructure with air and sea routes facilitating commerce. The capital, Lomé, acts as a central hub for both domestic and international trade.

Airports: 7 as of 2025.
Total railways: 568 km operational (2014).
Merchant marine vessels: 397 (2023).
Key ports: Lome and Kpeme.

Communications

Telecommunications in Togo have been expanding, with significant growth in mobile and internet usage. The country has a mix of state-owned and private media outlets facilitating communication.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: Approximately 7.69 million (2024 est.).
Internet penetration: 37% of the population (2023 est.).
Fixed telephone subscriptions: Around 67,000 as of 2023.
Broadband subscriptions: 114,000 (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,143,439 (2025 est.)
Area	56,785 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$27.115 billion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	4.538 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	30.17 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	72.1 years (2024 est.)