Togo is a country in West Africa, bordering Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso. It's capital city is Lomé, and the country has a population of approximately 8 million people. 

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From the 11th to the 16th century, tribes entered the region from various directions. From the 16th century to the 18th century, the coastal region was a trading center for Europeans to purchase slaves, earning Togo and the surrounding area the name "The Slave Coast". In 1884, Germany declared a region including a protectorate called Togoland. After World War I, rule over Togo was transferred to France. Togo gained its independence in 1960. 

 

In 1967, Gnassingbé Eyadéma led a successful military coup d'état, after which he became president of an anti-communist, single-party state. At the time of his death, Eyadéma was the "longest-serving leader in modern African history", having been president for 38 years. In 2005, his son, Faure Gnassingbé ,was elected president.

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Togo is a tropical, sub-Saharan nation, and the economy is dependent on agriculture. The official language is French, but other languages including those of the Gbe family are also spoken. A little more than 40% of people follow Christianity, making it the largest religion in the country.

 

Togo is a member of the United Nations, African Union, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone, Francophonie, Commonwealth, and Economic Community of West African States.