Togo, aka Togolese Republic, is a West African country sandwiched between three countries–Ghana, Benin and Burkina Faso–and the Gulf of Guinea. With its 57,000 square kilometers, this sovereign state is one of the smallest African countries. Let’s have a peek into some of the most interesting facts about Togo.
- Togo means “House of Sea” in the Ewe language.
- It was also known as “the slave coast.” Between the 16th and 18th century the Europeans came here in search of slaves.
- Togo is independent for 58 years now. It gained its independence on April 27th 1960.
- Togolese respect their elderly very much. And if they see someone older is carrying heavy stuff, they will take it from them immediately.
- Barging is expected and must-do thing on the Togolese markets.
- They recycle worn-out tires, making sandals, toys or fuel for smoking meat.
- Don’t be surprised if you find yourself on a Voodoo market. There are many of them, and they are well visited.
- Togolese carry everything on their head, from bananas to gallons of water.
- If you want to greet somebody in Togo, you should shake their hand a say a verbal “Hello” in French (Bonjour), Ewe (Woezo-lo!), Kabiye (Alafia-we) or another tribal language.