In the 16th century, the coastal region surrounding modern-day Togo became a significant trading hub for Europeans seeking slaves, earning the region the moniker "The Slave Coast."
Togo Independence Day is celebrated annually on April 27. This day commemorates Togo’s 1960 independence from the French overseas colonial empire. Togo derives its name from the language of its indigenous tribes, which means “a place where lagoons lie.” Today marks another year of independence day celebrations. Togo, also known as the Togolese Republic or République togolaise, is a country in West Africa that shares borders with Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso.
In the 16th century, the coastal region surrounding modern-day Togo became a significant trading hub for Europeans seeking slaves, earning the region the moniker “The Slave Coast.” In the late 1800s, Germany took possession of “Togoland” and established it as a prosperous colony. Despite being one of Germany’s minor overseas assets, it was one of its most valuable.
German soldiers were swiftly annihilated following the allied assault on the small colony on August 26, 1914, compelling the colony to surrender. In 1916, Togoland was divided between the victors, resulting in the formation of the new colonies of British Togoland and French Togoland. During World War I, Britain and France conquered Togoland, establishing the Anglo-French condominium. On December 7, 1916, the condominium collapsed and Togo was divided into British and French zones. On July 20, 1922, the League of Nations designated Great Britain to govern the western portion of Togo and France to administer the eastern portion. In 1945, the country was awarded the authority to send three representatives to the French parliament.
These mandates were renamed U.N. Trust Territories after World War II. In 1957, the citizens of British Togoland decided to join the Gold Coast as a constituent of the newly formed Ghana. French Togoland was granted autonomy within the French Union in 1959, but France retained control over its defence, foreign relations, and economy. The Togolese Republic was established April 27, 1960. In 1961, Sylvanus Olympio was elected president for the first time, obtaining 100 percent of the vote in opposition-boycotted elections.
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Togo’s history is scant compared to that of many other African nations.
On April 27, 1960, the Monument de L’Independance was erected to commemorate Togo’s independence from France.
At 986 metres (3,235 feet) above sea level, Mont Agou is the tallest mountain in Togo.
Togo’s official language is French.
With a land area of 56,785 square kilometres, it is the 123rd largest country in the globe.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 27 | Thursday |
| 2024 | April 27 | Saturday |
| 2025 | April 27 | Sunday |
| 2026 | April 27 | Monday |
| 2027 | April 27 | Tuesday |
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