Africa · Western Africa

Togo

Togolese Republic

Flag of Togo
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC
🏛️ Capital
Lomé
👥 Population
8,095,498
📐 Area
56,785 km²
💱 Currency
West African CFA franc (Fr)
🗣️ Languages
French
📞 Calling Code
+228
🕐 Time Zones
UTC
🌐 Region
Africa / Western Africa

About Togo

Togo is West Africa's slender, often-overlooked gem — a country of remarkable cultural diversity packed into one of the continent's narrowest territories, stretching just 56 kilometers wide at its most slender point from the Gulf of Guinea in the south to the Sahel in the north. What Togo lacks in size it more than compensates for in depth of experience: the country encompasses dense southern rainforests, rolling savannah highlands, stunning waterfalls, vibrant urban energy in Lomé, and some of the most authentic traditional cultures in the entire West African region.

Lomé, the only African capital city that directly borders another country on the coast, exudes a particular Franco-Africain charm — a place of broad palm-lined boulevards, colorful colonial architecture, excellent seafood restaurants, and the legendary Grand Marché, where thousands of market women (the Nana Benz, who built fortunes trading imported Dutch wax cloth) have dominated commerce for generations. The city's beachfront esplanade is a lively gathering place where drummers, footballers, and families mingle on white sands that stretch uninterrupted for kilometers.

Northern Togo opens into a completely different world — the Kara Region and the Tamberma Valley are home to the Batammariba people, builders of the extraordinary takienta fortified tower houses that UNESCO has recognized as a World Heritage Site. The sacred Voodoo traditions that originated in this region spread with the slave trade to Haiti, Brazil, and beyond, and Togo remains one of the most powerful centers of voodoo practice in the world. For travelers willing to venture off the standard West African circuit, Togo delivers encounters of genuine cultural depth.

History & Background

The territory that is today Togo was inhabited by waves of migrating Voltaic and Bantu peoples over many centuries before becoming the heart of the Atlantic slave trade's reach into West Africa from the 15th century onward. The Kingdom of Dahomey to the east and the Ashanti Confederation to the west competed for influence across the region, and thousands of Togolese people were sold into slavery and transported to the Americas — a legacy whose spiritual dimension is preserved in the vodun traditions that crossed the Atlantic with them.

European contact began with the Portuguese in the late 15th century, but it was German colonial ambition that stamped the country's modern boundaries. Germany established the Togoland protectorate in 1884, building the first significant road and railway infrastructure. After Germany's World War I defeat, Togo was divided between Britain and France; the French administered Togo as a League of Nations mandate and subsequently a UN trust territory until independence was declared on April 27, 1960. Post-independence Togo was dominated for nearly four decades by President Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who came to power in a 1967 military coup and ruled until his death in 2005. His son Faure Gnassingbé has led the country since, amid ongoing pro-democracy movements calling for political reform.

Culture & People

Togo is home to over 40 distinct ethnic groups, with the Ewe in the south and the Kabye in the north being the largest, each maintaining distinct languages, musical traditions, weaving techniques, and ritual practices that give the country extraordinary cultural variety for its size. French is the official language of government and education, but Ewe and Kabye function as lingua francas across their respective regions, and traditional indigenous languages remain the primary tongues of daily village life. Christianity and Islam are both widely practiced alongside indigenous spiritual traditions, with many Togolese maintaining a fluid relationship between all three.

Voodoo — known locally as vodun — is not a fringe practice in Togo but a living spiritual system recognized by the state and practiced openly. The Akodessawa Fetish Market in Lomé, the world's largest voodoo market, sells ritual materials sourced from across West Africa and draws both local practitioners and curious international visitors. Annual vodun ceremonies in communities across the south are vibrant, powerful events involving elaborate costumed possession dances, drumming, and communal rituals that express a complex spiritual worldview connecting the living with ancestors and natural forces. Togolese music — particularly the Ewe agbadza drumming tradition and the urban coupe-decale dance music that sweeps the airwaves — gives the country a soundtrack that is thoroughly its own.

Food & Cuisine

Togolese cuisine is deeply satisfying, built on the West African staple tradition of starchy bases paired with boldly flavored soups and stews. Fufu — pounded cassava or yam formed into smooth balls — and akume (maize dough) are the foundations of most meals, eaten with the right hand and dipped into groundnut soup, palm nut soup (abenkwan), or tomato-based stews enriched with smoked fish or goat meat. Grilled fish and brochettes (meat skewers) are omnipresent at roadside stalls throughout the country and represent some of the most satisfying street eating in West Africa.

Lomé's restaurants and maquis (informal outdoor eateries) offer the full range of West African flavors at very affordable prices. Grilled tilapia from the coastal lagoons, served with piment sauce and fried plantain, is the quintessential Lomé meal. In the north, the food becomes simpler and more reliant on millet, sorghum, and dried fish. Palm wine tapped fresh from raffia palms is the traditional social drink across southern Togo, while tchoukoutou — a thick, mildly fermented sorghum beer drunk communally from a shared calabash gourd — is the northern equivalent. Fresh tropical juices — baobab, tamarind, and sobolo hibiscus — provide excellent non-alcoholic refreshment throughout the country.

Top Attractions

  • Tamberma Valley (Koutammakou) — A UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Togo, home to the Batammariba people's extraordinary takienta multi-story mud tower houses that have served as fortified family compounds for centuries.
  • Akodessawa Fetish Market, Lomé — The world's largest voodoo market, where stalls overflow with dried animal parts, herbs, and ritual objects used in vodun ceremonies — a unique and unforgettable cultural encounter.
  • Kpalimé — A highland town in southwestern Togo surrounded by waterfalls, butterfly sanctuaries, and scenic hiking trails through coffee and cacao plantations with sweeping views to Ghana.
  • Lomé Grand Marché — One of West Africa's most vibrant urban markets, famous for its rows of Nana Benz women traders dealing in colorful wax prints, crafts, food, and the full energy of West African commerce.
  • Togoville — A historic lakeside village on the shores of Lake Togo, accessible by pirogue, where the German colonial treaty was signed in 1884 and a revered Catholic basilica draws thousands of pilgrims annually.
  • Fazao-Malfakassa National Park — Togo's largest national park, covering savannah and forest ecosystems in the central hills with resident elephants, buffalo, hippos, and rich birdlife.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Obtain your visa in advance through the Togolese embassy in your home country or via the e-Visa portal — visa on arrival is not available for all nationalities.
  • Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Togo; carry your International Certificate of Vaccination as it will be checked at the border.
  • Carry sufficient CFA francs (West African franc) in cash — credit cards are rarely accepted outside the largest hotels in Lomé and ATMs can be unreliable in regional towns.
  • Negotiate mototaxi (zemidjan) fares clearly before boarding; these motorcycle taxis are ubiquitous and very affordable for local movement within cities and towns.
  • Be respectful when visiting traditional village ceremonies or fetish shrines — always ask permission before photographing rituals or sacred objects.
  • Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended; use DEET insect repellent and sleep under a net, particularly in rural areas and during the rainy season.
  • French is widely spoken in Lomé and useful throughout; learning a few Ewe phrases ("Afi fo?" meaning "How are you?") will be received with genuine delight by locals.

Visa Overview

Togo offers an e-Visa system for most nationalities, allowing travelers to apply online before arrival for stays of up to 90 days. The process is straightforward and typically takes a few business days to approve. Citizens of ECOWAS member states can enter Togo freely without a visa. Visitors are required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at entry — this requirement is strictly enforced. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Togo. Visa fees and requirements can change; always verify through the official Togo e-Visa portal before travel.

Getting Around

Lomé's Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport is the main entry point, with connections to Paris, Addis Ababa, Casablanca, and several West African hubs. Within the country, bush taxis (shared Peugeot 504s or minibuses) connect major towns along main routes at low cost, though comfort and schedules are variable. Zemidjans (motorcycle taxis) are the fastest local transport in towns. In Lomé, taxis are readily available; negotiate fares before boarding. The road between Lomé and Kpalimé is well-paved; northern routes can be challenging in wet season. Car rental with a driver is recommended for comfortable exploration of regional sites.

Safety Notes

Togo is relatively safe compared to some West African neighbors, with low levels of violent crime affecting tourists. Lomé's beach areas and some market zones see occasional petty theft; avoid displaying valuables and be alert in crowded spaces, especially after dark. Political demonstrations occur periodically, particularly in Lomé — monitor local news and avoid large gatherings. Health precautions are important: malaria is endemic, water should be bottled or filtered, and medical facilities outside Lomé are very limited. Register with your embassy upon arrival for an extended stay and maintain emergency contact numbers at hand.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Togo.

West African CFA franc (XOF) Fr
Updated: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.020578
AAVE 0.000019
ADA 0.009566
AED 0.006540
AFN 0.116556
AGIX 0.031297
AKT 0.003464
ALGO 0.021632
ALL 0.141298
AMD 0.646426
AMP 4.642234
ANG 0.003190
AOA 1.635473
APE 0.013848
APT 0.003183
AR 0.000958
ARB 0.020360
ARS 2.666023
ATOM 0.001193
ATS 0.020977
AUD 0.002505
AVAX 0.000263
AWG 0.003188
AXS 0.001976
AZM 15.136571
AZN 0.003027
BAKE 2.560106
BAM 0.002982
BAT 0.028480
BBD 0.003562
BCH 0.000008
BDT 0.216685
BEF 0.061498
BGN 0.002982
BHD 0.000670
BIF 5.296727
BMD 0.001781
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002264
BOB 0.020454
BRL 0.009222
BSD 0.001781
BSV 0.000111
BSW 4.913826
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.030087
BTG 0.004058
BTN 0.170284
BTT 6,545.602639
BUSD 0.001780
BWP 0.023953
BYN 0.005384
BYR 34.898812
BZD 0.003577
CAD 0.002458
CAKE 0.001105
CDF 4.082357
CELO 0.028456
CFX 0.040659
CHF 0.001422
CHZ 0.139308
CLP 1.641164
CNH 0.011977
CNY 0.011977
COMP 0.000097
COP 5.436450
CRC 0.801742
CRO 0.035739
CRV 0.006825
CSPR 0.666775
CUC 0.001781
CUP 0.047185
CVE 0.168106
CVX 0.001101
CYP 0.000892
CZK 0.036846
DAI 0.001781
DASH 0.000056
DCR 0.000151
DEM 0.002982
DFI 1.789675
DJF 0.316293
DKK 0.011397
DOGE 0.023720
DOP 0.104004
DOT 0.002250
DYDX 0.016189
DZD 0.236339
EEK 0.023853
EGLD 0.000627
EGP 0.090201
ENJ 0.070377
EOS 0.026983
ERN 0.026712
ESP 0.253654
ETB 0.289411
ETC 0.000270
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001524
EURC 0.001535
FEI 0.001779
FIL 0.002645
FIM 0.009064
FJD 0.003918
FKP 0.001309
FLOW 0.061593
FLR 0.276969
FRAX 0.001796
FRF 0.0100
FTT 0.008580
GALA 1.235874
GBP 0.001309
GEL 0.004640
GGP 0.001309
GHC 197.052674
GHS 0.019705
GIP 0.001309
GMD 0.131966
GMX 0.000262
GNF 15.627885
GNO 0.000015
GRD 0.519470
GRT 0.127274
GT 0.000256
GTQ 0.013555
GUSD 0.001784
GYD 0.370419
HBAR 0.025127
HKD 0.013965
HNL 0.047609
HNT 0.010274
HOT 5.273416
HRK 0.011486
HT 0.015681
HTG 0.231617
HUF 0.554781
ICP 0.000768
IDR 31.701971
IEP 0.001201
ILS 0.005304
IMP 0.001309
IMX 0.017022
INJ 0.000383
INR 0.170284
IQD 2.319410
IRR 2,447.546247
ISK 0.216799
ITL 2.951825
JEP 0.001309
JMD 0.279754
JOD 0.001263
JPY 0.282003
KAS 0.066784
KAVA 0.043265
KCS 0.000244
KDA 0.379256
KES 0.230512
KGS 0.155900
KHR 7.172034
KLAY 0.072450
KMF 0.7500
KNC 0.016828
KPW 1.602497
KRW 2.481754
KSM 0.000578
KWD 0.000549
KYD 0.001479
KZT 0.821441
LAK 39.924454
LBP 159.175388
LDO 0.005256
LEO 0.000192
LINK 0.000170
LKR 0.585965
LRC 0.223846
LRD 0.322437
LSL 0.028672
LTC 0.000038
LTL 0.005264
LUF 0.061498
LUNA 0.040276
LUNC 35.248472
LVL 0.001071
LYD 0.011269
MAD 0.016481
MANA 0.026563
MBX 0.086115
MDL 0.030527
MGA 7.627547
MGF 38.137737
MINA 0.041672
MKD 0.094022
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.738741
MNT 6.406336
MOP 0.014384
MRO 0.709266
MRU 0.070927
MTL 0.000654
MUR 0.083645
MVR 0.027529
MWK 3.073781
MXN 0.030181
MXV 0.003445
MYR 0.007199
MZM 113.641542
MZN 0.113642
NAD 0.028672
NEAR 0.001021
NEO 0.000978
NEXO 0.002385
NFT 6,323.142085
NGN 2.398225
NIO 0.065342
NLG 0.003360
NOK 0.016611
NPR 0.272582
NZD 0.002996
OKB 0.000017
OMR 0.000685
ONE 2.468312
OP 0.020050
ORDI 0.000484
PAB 0.001781
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.005967
PEPE 614.756252
PGK 0.007995
PHP 0.109732
PI 0.019816
PKR 0.492301
PLN 0.006584
POL 0.021816
PTE 0.305633
PYG 10.655707
QAR 0.006482
QNT 0.000030
QTUM 0.002467
ROL 79.980558
RON 0.007998
RPL 0.001145
RSD 0.178895
RUB 0.149572
RUNE 0.004175
RVN 0.683124
RWF 2.611330
SAND 0.043114
SAR 0.006678
SBD 0.014247
SCR 0.025832
SDD 106.877867
SDG 1.068779
SEK 0.016806
SGD 0.002264
SHIB 375.842148
SHP 0.001309
SIT 0.365329
SKK 0.045927
SLE 0.040803
SLL 40.802814
SNX 0.008688
SOL 0.000021
SOS 1.009954
SPL 0.000297
SRD 0.067325
SRG 67.324613
SSP 10.095378
STD 37.593669
STN 0.037594
STX 0.013652
SUI 0.002523
SVC 0.015582
SYP 23.150732
SZL 0.028672
THB 0.058471
THETA 0.011848
TJS 0.016334
TMM 31.157763
TMT 0.006232
TND 0.005161
TOP 0.004242
TRL 85,398.139569
TRX 0.005331
TRY 0.085398
TTD 0.012038
TUSD 0.001783
TVD 0.002505
TWD 0.056696
TWT 0.004453
TZS 4.713368
UAH 0.079536
UGX 6.616672
UNI 0.000486
USD 0.001781
USDC 0.001780
USDD 0.001782
USDP 0.001783
USDT 0.001781
UYU 0.071251
UZS 20.916263
VAL 2.951825
VEB 138,239,338.271621
VED 1.379297
VEF 137,929.716153
VES 1.379297
VET 0.366884
VND 46.519434
VUV 0.210634
WAVES 0.009030
WEMIX 0.009202
WOO 0.161444
WST 0.004796
XAF 1.0000
XAG 0.000027
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004821
XCG 0.003190
XCH 0.001257
XDC 0.064019
XDR 0.001300
XEC 253.980010
XEM 3.803649
XLM 0.010368
XMR 0.000004
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.181920
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001605
XTZ 0.008175
YER 0.422180
ZAR 0.028672
ZEC 0.000003
ZIL 0.732614
ZMK 33.359930
ZMW 0.033360
ZWD 0.644477
ZWG 0.047495
ZWL 118.676672

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Cities in Togo 84
Browse all cities and towns
Adjengré Agadji Agbelouve Amlame Amlamé Amou Oblo Aného Aneho Anié Anie Atakpame Atakpamé Badou Badou Bafilo Bassar Bassar Blitta Blitta Blitta-Gare Bombouaka Cinkassé Dapaong Dapaong Datoudjena Ezimé Gando Namoni Gboto Koissidamé Gouloungoussi Guerin Kouka Guérin-Kouka Kabou Kambolé Kande Kanté Kara Kara Kologon Konohoué Korbongou Koussountou Kouve Kouvé Kpagouda Kpalimé Kpalime Kpessi Kpété Béna Kpohe Edrokope Lomé Lome Mandouri Mango Mango Mantche Moritan Naki-Ouest Namon Nano Niamtougou Niamtougou Notsé Notse Nyamassila Pagala Gare Sokodé Sokode Sokou Kpodzi Sotouboua Sotouboua Tabligbo Tabligbo Tado Takpamba Tandjouare Tchamba Tchamba Togoville Tohoun Tomegbé Tsévié Tsevie Vogan Vogan

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Togo needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Togo?
The capital of Togo is Lomé.
What currency does Togo use?
Togo uses the West African CFA franc (Fr) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Togo?
The official language(s) of Togo include French.
What is the population of Togo?
Togo has a population of approximately 8,095,498 people.
What region is Togo in?
Togo is located in Africa, specifically in the Western Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Togo?
The international dialing code for Togo is +228.
What time zones does Togo observe?
Togo observes the following time zone(s): UTC.
What is the current time in Togo?
The local time in Togo is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Togo?
Togo covers a total area of 56,785 km².
How many states or provinces does Togo have?
Togo is divided into 10 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Togo in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Togo in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Togo?
Visa requirements for citizens of Togo vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.