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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.024315
AAVE 0.000020
ADA 0.009285
AED 0.006401
AFN 0.110812
AGIX 0.022339
AKT 0.002779
ALGO 0.019470
ALL 0.142868
AMD 0.641334
AMP 3.907483
ANG 0.003143
AOA 1.600667
APE 0.012433
APT 0.002787
AR 0.000873
ARB 0.021790
ARS 2.601387
ATOM 0.001102
ATS 0.020977
AUD 0.002516
AVAX 0.000252
AWG 0.003120
AXS 0.001726
AZM 14.814629
AZN 0.002963
BAKE 2.319545
BAM 0.002982
BAT 0.019790
BBD 0.003486
BCH 0.000007
BDT 0.214853
BEF 0.061498
BGN 0.002982
BHD 0.000655
BIF 5.188618
BMD 0.001743
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002253
BOB 0.012073
BRL 0.009007
BSD 0.001743
BSV 0.000118
BSW 5.207423
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.032889
BTG 0.006040
BTN 0.166054
BTT 6,571.739005
BUSD 0.001741
BWP 0.023523
BYN 0.005061
BYR 34.164096
BZD 0.003510
CAD 0.002477
CAKE 0.001204
CDF 4.021288
CELO 0.025942
CFX 0.038957
CHF 0.001402
CHZ 0.096541
CLP 1.605557
CNH 0.011837
CNY 0.011832
COMP 0.000104
COP 5.825689
CRC 0.794215
CRO 0.029159
CRV 0.008153
CSPR 0.897419
CUC 0.001743
CUP 0.046191
CVE 0.168106
CVX 0.001449
CYP 0.000892
CZK 0.036872
DAI 0.001744
DASH 0.000050
DCR 0.000157
DEM 0.002982
DFI 2.097825
DJF 0.310398
DKK 0.011395
DOGE 0.022554
DOP 0.103295
DOT 0.001998
DYDX 0.013197
DZD 0.231795
EEK 0.023853
EGLD 0.000631
EGP 0.085615
ENJ 0.060223
EOS 0.024063
ERN 0.026143
ESP 0.253654
ETB 0.278786
ETC 0.000245
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001524
EURC 0.001526
FEI 0.001744
FIL 0.002207
FIM 0.009064
FJD 0.003914
FKP 0.001306
FLOW 0.062192
FLR 0.250744
FRAX 0.001762
FRF 0.0100
FTT 0.007317
GALA 0.760786
GBP 0.001306
GEL 0.004578
GGP 0.001306
GHC 198.010215
GHS 0.019801
GIP 0.001306
GMD 0.128529
GMX 0.000294
GNF 15.280923
GNO 0.000017
GRD 0.519470
GRT 0.091864
GT 0.000257
GTQ 0.013304
GUSD 0.001745
GYD 0.364815
HBAR 0.023082
HKD 0.013670
HNL 0.046661
HNT 0.007273
HOT 4.829819
HRK 0.011486
HT 0.048645
HTG 0.228136
HUF 0.539064
ICP 0.000791
IDR 31.359082
IEP 0.001201
ILS 0.005235
IMP 0.001306
IMX 0.012615
INJ 0.000357
INR 0.166054
IQD 2.285277
IRR 2,398.371797
ISK 0.219529
ITL 2.951825
JEP 0.001306
JMD 0.276114
JOD 0.001236
JPY 0.282088
KAS 0.056818
KAVA 0.038629
KCS 0.000241
KDA 0.299033
KES 0.225341
KGS 0.152441
KHR 6.988726
KMF 0.7500
KNC 0.015636
KPW 1.568760
KRW 2.671618
KSM 0.000495
KWD 0.000541
KYD 0.001450
KZT 0.823943
LAK 39.405256
LBP 156.518164
LDO 0.006452
LEO 0.000186
LINK 0.000218
LKR 0.583688
LRC 0.141854
LRD 0.316552
LSL 0.028329
LTC 0.000039
LTL 0.005264
LUF 0.061498
LUNA 0.035490
LUNC 28.388190
LVL 0.001071
LYD 0.011180
MAD 0.016320
MANA 0.025048
MBX 0.069301
MDL 0.030677
MGA 7.396034
MGF 36.980170
MINA 0.036763
MKD 0.093911
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.658912
MNT 6.246787
MOP 0.014080
MRO 0.696062
MRU 0.069606
MTL 0.000654
MUR 0.081928
MVR 0.026944
MWK 3.023294
MXN 0.030465
MXV 0.003454
MYR 0.007106
MZM 111.312785
MZN 0.111313
NAD 0.028329
NEAR 0.000875
NEO 0.000881
NEXO 0.002266
NFT 6,576.469597
NGN 2.388257
NIO 0.064158
NLG 0.003360
NOK 0.017144
NPR 0.265811
NZD 0.003063
OKB 0.000022
OMR 0.000671
ONE 1.394409
OP 0.016212
ORDI 0.000537
PAB 0.001743
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.005935
PEPE 638.995869
PGK 0.007668
PHP 0.107211
PI 0.015407
PKR 0.484891
PLN 0.006544
POL 0.023699
PTE 0.305633
PYG 10.601398
QAR 0.006344
QNT 0.000026
QTUM 0.002452
ROL 79.670002
RON 0.007967
RPL 0.000861
RSD 0.178810
RUB 0.134304
RUNE 0.004214
RVN 0.457320
RWF 2.554863
SAND 0.034932
SAR 0.006536
SBD 0.014104
SCR 0.024906
SDD 104.616602
SDG 1.046166
SEK 0.016824
SGD 0.002253
SHIB 398.078084
SHP 0.001306
SIT 0.365329
SKK 0.045927
SLE 0.039808
SLL 39.807698
SNX 0.007611
SOL 0.000022
SOS 0.995266
SPL 0.000290
SRD 0.065611
SRG 65.610719
SSP 8.277345
STD 37.627164
STN 0.037627
STX 0.010193
SUI 0.002333
SVC 0.015250
SYP 0.192665
SZL 0.028329
THB 0.057934
THETA 0.012424
TJS 0.016155
TMM 30.580799
TMT 0.006116
TND 0.005138
TOP 0.004197
TRL 81,594.535810
TRX 0.005307
TRY 0.081595
TTD 0.011810
TUSD 0.001747
TVD 0.002516
TWD 0.055930
TWT 0.005070
TZS 4.579654
UAH 0.077673
UGX 6.369447
UNI 0.000551
USD 0.001743
USDC 0.001743
USDD 0.001745
USDP 0.001748
USDT 0.001745
UYU 0.070150
UZS 20.858647
VAL 2.951825
VEB 112,319,045.333648
VED 1.123090
VEF 112,309.045596
VES 1.123090
VET 0.369456
VND 45.838578
VUV 0.209482
WAVES 0.006559
WEMIX 0.006732
WOO 0.147197
WST 0.004821
XAF 1.0000
XAG 0.000028
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004718
XCG 0.003143
XCH 0.001106
XDC 0.062028
XDR 0.001286
XEC 328.111379
XEM 4.071317
XLM 0.008730
XMR 0.000005
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.181920
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001522
XTZ 0.007004
YER 0.413055
ZAR 0.028329
ZEC 0.000004
ZIL 0.564995
ZMK 31.980970
ZMW 0.031981
ZWD 0.630755
ZWG 0.046751
ZWL 116.817239

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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.