General Information
|
|
Overview
Togo is an independent republic which lies on the Gulf of Guinea between Ghana and Benin and forms part of the West African Region. The capital city is Lomé. Other major towns are Atakpame, Sokode and Kara.
The official language is French. The local currency is the CFA-franc. (US$ / CFA Franc – current exchange rate).
The international time zone for Togo is GMT and the international dialling code is +228. The principal airlines which fly to the international airport at Lome are Air Afrique, Air France, SABENA and KLM as well as several regional airlines. As at January 1996 visas are required by all visitors to Togo except nationals of certain West European countries, the UK and the USA.
Malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, yellow fever and schistosomiasis (bilharzia) may be contracted while travelling in Togo. Travellers should be aware that advance payment for medical services may be required. Prescription medicines should be carried in their original containers together with the prescription. Vaccinations should be obtained before entering Togo.
Economy
In the seventies the Togolese economy enjoyed the benefits of booming phosphate prices and as a result the government of the day created several public enterprises which have now placed a drain on the economy.
Phosphate mining is still the countrys main industrial activity accounting for 5% of GDP but the economy is depends mainly upon subsistence agriculture. Agricultural activities contribute 45% of the GDP and employs three quarters of the population. The countrys main agricultural exports are cotton, cocoa and coffee.
Following the serious economic collapse Togo experienced in 1992/3, the government launched a comprehensive adjustment programme primarily aimed at sustainable economic growth. This programme suffered a setback in 1998 with the energy crisis and unfavourable investment climate as a result of the presidential election in the same year. Political instability continues and the economy continues to take strain as a result. This situation has been exacerbated by the governments slow implementation of reforms.
Togos GDP totaled US$1.4 billion in 2002 and industry and services contributed 21.6% and 38%. FDI in 2001 amounted to US$66.9 million.
Memberships (6)
Economic Community of West African States, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, World Trade Organisation, West African Economic and Monetary Union, Union monétaire ouest-africaine
Facilities (2)
Akoumape, Hahotoe
Travel Facilities
| Accommodation (54): | Agni, Ahodikpe Eboma, Aristos, Avenida Hotel, California, Copacabana, Corinthia 2 Fevrier Hotel, De La Bourse, De La Fraternite, De La Maison Blanche, De La Paix, Du 30 Aout, Du Boulevard, Du Golfe, Foyer Des Marins |
| Attractions (19): | Abdoulaye Faunal Reserve, Akaba Forest Reserve, Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, Grand Marche, Haho-Yoto Forest Reserve, Keran National Park, Klouto Mountains and Butterflies, Kpessi Forest Reserve, Lake Togo, Marche des Feticheurs, Mont Kabye, National Museum, Oti Mandouri Forest Reserve, Pic d’Agou, Reserve de la Fosse aux Lions |
| Restaurants: | La Belle Epoque |
