TOGO- PEARL OF WEST AFRICA
Togo, a thin strip of country in West Africa has managed to squeeze in tropical forests, savannah, amazing coastal lagoons and long sandy tranquil beaches. It is bordered by Ghana on the west, Benin to the east, and Burkina Faso to the north along with its narrow coastline stretching onto the Gulf of Guinea in the south. The capital of Togo, Lome is situated here and is a must visit for all travellers.
Modern Togo was formerly a part of Togoland which was colonised by the Germans in 1894. It was then occupied by Anglo-French force early in the First World War. Togoland gained its independence from France in 1960 and became Togo. After that there have been endless riots and human rights abuses but the new President is controlling the situation and gradually stabilizing the infrastructure and politics of the country. It has now a republic government under transition to multiparty democratic rule. Togo has a tropical climate being hot throughout the year and humid from May to October. The climate is dry from November to February provising good growing seasons. Tourists are recommended to carry light wear clothes and a raincoat for the rainy season.
ECONOMY
Togo is an agricultural country employing 65% of the population in commercial and subsistence agriculture. The tropical savannah yields good harvests making Togo self sufficient in basic food goods. The major export crops are coffee, cotton and cocoa generating 30% of export earnings. There are also some industries of phosphates, limestone and marble generating lot of foreign exchange. West African CFA franc is the main currency though US dollars can also be accepted at certain places. There is ATM facility in the capital city and other major towns. Togo is also a member of World Bank and IMF which have implemented various economic reform measures to encourage foreign investment and improve the economy. The constant political unrest has disrupted the vital economic activity and led to devaluation of currency by 50% in 1994. With the recent political stability, growth is expected in the economic sector of the nation.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Most of the population of Togo live in rural areas and are called Togolese. There are about 40 different ethnic tribes out of which Ewe is the largest and most important comprising 46% of the population. The other important tribes are Kabye in the north, Kotokoli and Tchamba in the centre and Mina. There is also 1% Europeans and Syrian-Lebanese expatriates living here as diplomats or for economic reasons. French is the main and official language used for education and commerce. There are numerous local languages also spoken such as Ewe and Mina, Kabye and Dagomba. More than half of the population still practice indigenous beliefs though Christians are 29% and Muslims are 20% of the remaining.
Togo has diverse culture due to its many ethnic groups out of which the most influential ones are Ewe, Mina and Kabre. Togo has unique sculptors and hunting trophies being used rather than the more omnipresent African masks. Kloto is renowned for its wood carvers for their “chains of marriage” having two characters connected by rings drawn from only one piece of large wood. Tourists can pick up the dyed fabrics called batiks of the artisans of Kloto representing coloured scenes of ancient everyday life. The loincloths made by the weavers of Assahoun are used in ceremonies and is quite famous. Internationally recognized plastics technician Paul Ahyi practices zota, a kind of pyroengraving. This has decorated the capital Lome with its monumental achievements. In sports, football is most popular as the football team has qualified for the 2006 World Cup bringing pride to the nation.
LOME
Lome located on the Gulf of Benin is the only capital in the world situated right next to the border. It is one of the most striking cities of West Africa heaved with nightspots and was once labelled as Paris of West Africa. There are many lively nightclubs open till early morning dancing to a blend of Western African and Western popular music. Tourists can also go to cinemas showing French and English movies. The city has colonial architecture depicting its past and the famous fetish market selling traditional remedies and carved figures to ward off evil show the traditions of the people. The National Museum houses historical artefacts, costumes, musical instruments, pottery, wood carvings and traditional medicines which help discover the culture and traditions of the country. It also has large rocks shaped like eggs called thunderstones and cowrie shells which were both used as legal tender. Another interesting sight to visit is Marche des Feticheurs where stocks of all ingredients for traditional medicine and fetishes like donkey skull, serpent head, porcupine skin, warthog teeth and chameleons are stored. Lome Grand Marche is the main city centre and the most happening place to visit.
ATTRACTIONS
• National Parks
These are home to a variety of species such as buffalos, elephants and antelopes along with numerous tropical bird species. Tourists can spot wildlife in Fazao National Park, the Keran National Park and the Fosse aux Lions which is also called Lion’s Den.• Lake Togo
Water lovers can enjoy water sports in Lake Togo and stay at the serene resorts here. They can also explore the area’s voodoo culture and swim in the lake waters.• Kapilme
Adventure lovers can go for hiking in the surrounding hills around Kapilme offering splendid views and where exotic butterflies flutter in the dense forests.• Koutammakou
The traditional mud tower settlements of the Batammariba are considered a World Heritage site since 2004. The conventional mud Takienta tower houses here are worth seeing.• Shopping
There is a huge variety of wax prints, locally made heavy ashtrays, gold and silver jewellery, traditional masks and religious statuettes available for shopping. Some tourists also get attracted to voodoo stalls displaying an extraordinary range of items used in magic.• Togoville
This place has historical importance as the colonial treaty between the Germans and the ruler Mlapa III was signed. The place also houses several voodoo shrines and the Roman Catholic Cathedral built by the Germans.• Aneho
This was a colonial capital of Togo still preserving the distinct colonial atmosphere which is easily reflected in the Peter and Paul Church, Protestant Church and the German Cemetery.• Gulf of Benin
Tourists can enjoy the whale watching which can be seen in abundance in the month of October.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Most of the restaurants in Togo serve French oriented food though African dishes are also served. The Togolese food is mouth watering and the visitors must try their national dishes including akume which is maize flour mixed with water and served with sauces made of vegetables like okra, spinach or meat. Mashed yam called fufu is eaten with sauces made from groundnut, goat or palm nut. Pam wine is popular in drinks along with fermented millet produced locally.
There is a range of hotels in the capital and all other major towns of Togo and still with the increase in tourism there is a shortage of good hotels. It is hence advisable to book in advance before coming. The hotels in the capital Lome and Lama-Kara are of international standard providing luxurious stay and other facilities of swimming pool, conference room, internet etc. Camping and caravanning is also possible in national parks which is free of charge for tourists who love outdoors accommodation and always want to be on the move. There are also beautiful resorts near Lake Togo in Lome.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Togo has an international airport 7 kilometres off the capital city of Lome. The best services between Togo and Europe are provided by Air France having reliable and frequent flights. Other airlines catering flights to Togo are Air Gabon, Alitalia, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Ethiopian Airlines. Tourists can also enter Togo by land from the bordering countries Benin, Burkina Faso and Ghana. Bush taxis, minibuses and numerous other bus companies provide easy transport from these countries. Bush taxis are also the best way of commuting within the country also. Cars can also be hired in major towns and Lome.
The communication system in Togo is excellent providing easy access to internet cafes all over the country. There is a good mobile coverage in all major cities and the telephone line is available in urban areas. Postage is limited again to urban areas and the airmail to Europe takes about two weeks. Although freedom of press is provided in the constitution, the main media is controlled by the government. Togo-Presse the main daily newspaper is owned by the government and is published in French, Ewe and Kabiye. The major TV and Radio channel is also government owned and state run.
Travellers wanting to experience novelty should visit this not so popular destination to check out tiny hilly landscape, diverse, cultures and the delicious yam based dishes. It boasts of charismatic wonders and offers a nice succession of landscapes.
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