TOGO
Togo is a nation on West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea, is known for its palm-lined beaches and hilltop villages. It also forms part of the Slave Coast where slaves/captives were shipped abroad by colonial masters in the 17th century. French Togoland became Togo in 1960 when it gained independence from France. The western part of Togo which was un British rule is now forms a part of Ghana then Gold coast.
Capital: Lomé
Official language: French
President: Faure Gnassingbé
Anthem: “Terre de nos aïeux”
Population: 6.817 million (2013) World Bank
Freedom of Expression: Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are legally guaranteed in the Togolese constitution, it is often ignored by the government.
“While imprisonment for defamation was abolished in August 2004 with an amendment to the Press and Communications Law, journalists can still receive a criminal fine of up to 5 million CFA francs ($10,000) under Article 104 of the media code or Article 58 of the penal code”. Click to Read more
Further reading about Togo visit BBC country profile.