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: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.019391
AAVE 0.000020
ADA 0.007059
AED 0.006518
AFN 0.110934
AKT 0.002202
ALGO 0.016527
ALL 0.145650
AMD 0.653146
AMP 2.121101
ANG 0.003197
AOA 1.630190
APE 0.012306
APT 0.001880
AR 0.000831
ARB 0.015184
ARS 2.477639
ATOM 0.000863
ATS 0.020977
AUD 0.002487
AVAX 0.000192
AWG 0.003177
AXS 0.001511
AZM 15.084970
AZN 0.003017
BAKE 2.400301
BAM 0.002982
BAT 0.018318
BBD 0.003549
BCH 0.000005
BDT 0.218081
BEF 0.061498
BGN 0.002982
BHD 0.000667
BIF 5.286949
BMD 0.001775
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002272
BOB 0.012300
BRL 0.008891
BSD 0.001775
BSV 0.000118
BSW 2.073411
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.004613
BTN 0.171061
BTT 5,516.165249
BUSD 0.001776
BWP 0.024127
BYN 0.004880
BYR 48.803941
BZD 0.003572
CAD 0.002440
CAKE 0.001255
CDF 4.072838
CELO 0.022055
CFX 0.030138
CHF 0.001395
CHZ 0.036095
CLP 1.599047
CNH 0.012075
CNY 0.012071
COMP 0.000081
COP 6.742316
CRC 0.803433
CRO 0.025396
CRV 0.007522
CSPR 0.600763
CUC 0.001775
CUP 0.042584
CVE 0.168106
CVX 0.001023
CYP 0.000892
CZK 0.037061
DAI 0.001776
DASH 0.000041
DCR 0.000105
DEM 0.002982
DFI 1.807280
DJF 0.315787
DKK 0.011392
DOGE 0.017015
DOP 0.105055
DOT 0.001421
DYDX 0.012270
DZD 0.235605
EEK 0.023853
EGLD 0.000453
EGP 0.094631
ENJ 0.041320
EOS 0.021939
ERN 0.026620
ESP 0.253654
ETB 0.279453
ETC 0.000199
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001524
EURC 0.001523
FEI 0.001781
FIL 0.001839
FIM 0.009064
FJD 0.003913
FKP 0.001323
FLOW 0.049182
FLR 0.212454
FRAX 0.001787
FRF 0.0100
FTT 0.005493
GALA 0.527820
GBP 0.001323
GEL 0.004741
GGP 0.001323
GHC 203.023699
GHS 0.020302
GIP 0.001323
GMD 0.131103
GMX 0.000268
GNF 15.567248
GNO 0.000015
GRD 0.519470
GRT 0.070562
GT 0.000250
GTQ 0.013529
GUSD 0.001779
GYD 0.371172
HBAR 0.019716
HKD 0.013898
HNL 0.047211
HNT 0.002155
HOT 4.472853
HRK 0.011486
HT 0.012238
HTG 0.232286
HUF 0.549722
ICP 0.000687
IDR 31.456689
IEP 0.001201
ILS 0.005151
IMP 0.001323
IMX 0.010425
INJ 0.000340
INR 0.171061
IQD 2.325314
IRR 2,339.333764
ISK 0.218611
ITL 2.951825
JEP 0.001323
JMD 0.280627
JOD 0.001258
JPY 0.282059
KAS 0.051354
KAVA 0.030815
KCS 0.000222
KDA 0.213354
KES 0.229501
KGS 0.155245
KHR 7.117762
KLAY 0.034119
KMF 0.7500
KNC 0.012360
KPW 1.597191
KRW 2.671229
KSM 0.000356
KWD 0.000546
KYD 0.001476
KZT 0.832741
LAK 38.927058
LBP 159.097755
LDO 0.004983
LEO 0.000176
LINK 0.000183
LKR 0.591042
LRC 0.109505
LRD 0.325264
LSL 0.029547
LTC 0.000033
LTL 0.005264
LUF 0.061498
LUNA 0.028039
LUNC 22.579073
LVL 0.001071
LYD 0.011269
MAD 0.016332
MANA 0.020137
MBX 0.045322
MDL 0.030711
MGA 7.425938
MGF 37.129688
MINA 0.031067
MKD 0.093945
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.725521
MNT 6.351599
MOP 0.014315
MRO 0.709566
MRU 0.070957
MTL 0.000654
MUR 0.083913
MVR 0.027409
MWK 3.088782
MXN 0.030711
MXV 0.003475
MYR 0.007053
MZM 113.350526
MZN 0.113351
NAD 0.029547
NEAR 0.001100
NEO 0.000614
NEXO 0.001995
NFT 6,274.777524
NGN 2.433220
NIO 0.065234
NLG 0.003360
NOK 0.016458
NPR 0.273826
NZD 0.003031
OKB 0.000022
OMR 0.000683
ONE 0.865796
OP 0.013823
ORDI 0.000426
PAB 0.001775
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.006073
PEPE 481.910841
PGK 0.007841
PHP 0.109518
PI 0.011692
PKR 0.494441
PLN 0.006467
POL 0.019524
PTE 0.305633
PYG 10.801583
QAR 0.006460
QNT 0.000024
QTUM 0.001965
ROL 79.417597
RON 0.007942
RPL 0.001023
RSD 0.178929
RUB 0.128621
RUNE 0.003965
RVN 0.321113
RWF 2.594807
SAND 0.024643
SAR 0.006655
SBD 0.014209
SCR 0.026054
SDD 106.522710
SDG 1.065227
SEK 0.016698
SGD 0.002272
SHIB 307.893823
SHP 0.001323
SIT 0.365329
SKK 0.045927
SLE 0.040649
SLL 40.649170
SNX 0.005729
SOL 0.000021
SOS 1.014125
SPL 0.000296
SRD 0.066063
SRG 66.062690
SSP 8.367030
STD 37.752649
STN 0.037753
STX 0.007429
SUI 0.001677
SVC 0.015529
SYP 0.196167
SZL 0.029547
THB 0.057891
THETA 0.008989
TJS 0.016519
TMM 31.121252
TMT 0.006224
TND 0.005154
TON 0.000882
TOP 0.004222
TRL 80,896.793623
TRX 0.004976
TRY 0.080897
TTD 0.012038
TUSD 0.001777
TVD 0.002487
TWD 0.056147
TWT 0.003714
TZS 4.617794
UAH 0.078338
UGX 6.688289
UNI 0.000503
USD 0.001775
USDC 0.001775
USDD 0.001777
USDP 0.001777
USDT 0.001776
UYU 0.071136
UZS 21.353183
VAL 2.951825
VEB 91,809,632.725323
VED 0.918055
VEF 91,805.536798
VES 0.918055
VET 0.263460
VND 46.728455
VUV 0.210717
WAVES 0.004669
WEMIX 0.006570
WOO 0.105086
WST 0.004783
XAF 1.0000
XAG 0.000023
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004805
XCG 0.003197
XCH 0.000639
XDC 0.057090
XDR 0.001298
XEC 241.936057
XEM 2.666569
XLM 0.012089
XMR 0.000005
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.181920
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001284
XTZ 0.005190
YER 0.423478
ZAR 0.029547
ZEC 0.000003
ZIL 0.451396
ZMK 33.541740
ZMW 0.033542
ZWD 0.642262
ZWG 0.045983
ZWL 114.898216

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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.