Togo: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Togo 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Togo: 124
  • Happiness Score Togo:4.214

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Togo. TG.

    Togo is a small West African country known for its political stability and multi-party democracy.

  • Togo is home to various ethnic groups, each with its own distinct cultural traditions and languages.
  • The country’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, particularly the production of cocoa, coffee, and cotton.
  • Togo gained its independence from France in 1960 and has since established itself as a relatively peaceful and stable nation in the region.
  • Togo – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History: The region that is now Togo has been inhabited since ancient times by various ethnic groups, including the Ewe, Mina, and Kabre. The coastal areas were influenced by the powerful Ashanti Kingdom and the Oyo Empire, while the interior regions were home to smaller kingdoms and chiefdoms.

    Kingdoms and Empires: In the 16th century, the coastal regions of present-day Togo came under the influence of the Oyo Empire, which controlled much of West Africa at the time. Later, the Ashanti Kingdom, based in modern-day Ghana, exerted control over parts of Togo.

    Colonial Period: In the late 19th century, the area that is now Togo became a German protectorate known as Togoland. German colonization had a significant impact on the region, with the introduction of cash crops such as cocoa and coffee. After World War I, Togoland was divided between French and British mandates.

    Independence and Modern Era: In 1960, the French-administered Trust Territory of Togo gained independence as the Republic of Togo. Togo experienced several military coups and periods of political instability in the years following independence. In 1967, Gnassingbé Eyadéma seized power in a military coup and ruled as a dictator until his death in 2005. His son, Faure Gnassingbé, succeeded him and has been the president since 2005.

    Current Political Situation: Togo is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The current president is Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005. The country has faced criticism for human rights abuses and lack of democratic reforms.

    International Relations: Togo is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The country has maintained close ties with France and has also strengthened its relations with other African nations.

    Human Development and Economy: Togo has a developing economy, with agriculture, mining, and a growing service sector as its main industries. The country faces challenges in poverty reduction, access to education, and healthcare. The main exports include re-exported goods, cotton, phosphates, and coffee.

    Cultural Highlights: Togo is a culturally diverse country with influences from various ethnic groups. The predominant religions are Christianity and indigenous beliefs. Traditional music, dance, and festivals play an essential role in Togolese culture.

    Conclusion

    Togo faces ongoing challenges related to political instability, human rights issues, and economic development. However, the country has opportunities to leverage its strategic location, natural resources, and cultural diversity to promote sustainable growth and progress.

    Travel Tips for Togo

    • Best times to visit: The dry season from November to March is generally the most favorable time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.
    • Cultural etiquette: Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Greetings are important, so take the time to greet people properly.
    • Safety precautions: Exercise caution, especially in crowded areas, and avoid traveling alone at night. Petty crime and scams targeting tourists are common.
    • Must-see landmarks: Visit the capital city of Lomé, with its bustling markets and colonial architecture. Other notable sites include the Kpalimé hills, Koutammakou (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the beaches along the Atlantic coast.
    • Culinary experiences: Try local dishes such as akume (corn porridge), akara (fried bean fritters), and kédjénou (a spicy meat and vegetable stew).

    Living in Togo

    • Cost of living: The cost of living in Togo is relatively low compared to many other countries, but it can vary significantly depending on the location and lifestyle.
    • Housing: Expatriates often live in urban areas like Lomé, where housing options range from apartments to villas. Finding suitable accommodation can be challenging, and rental prices may be high.
    • Healthcare: The healthcare system in Togo faces challenges, with limited resources and infrastructure. Most expatriates opt for private healthcare facilities or seek medical treatment in neighboring countries.
    • Education: There are both public and private schools in Togo, with international schools offering education in languages like French and English.
    • Cultural norms: Togolese culture values respect for elders, hospitality, and maintaining good relationships. Learning basic French and local languages can be helpful for better integration.

    Doing Business in Togo

    • Business culture: Building personal relationships and trust is essential in Togolese business culture. Meetings often involve small talk and establishing rapport before delving into business matters.
    • Economic climate: Togo has a developing economy, with agriculture, mining, and services as the main sectors. The business environment can be challenging due to infrastructure limitations and bureaucratic hurdles.
    • Key industries: Major industries include agriculture (cotton, coffee, cocoa), mining (phosphates, limestone), and services (tourism, finance).
    • Legal frameworks: Togo has laws and regulations governing business operations, but enforcement can be inconsistent. It is advisable to seek legal counsel when setting up a business.
    • Negotiation strategies: Patience, flexibility, and building trust are crucial for successful negotiations in Togo. Avoid aggressive tactics and be prepared for lengthy negotiations.

    Studying in Togo

    • Educational system: Togo has a public education system, with primary and secondary schools as well as universities. The medium of instruction is primarily French.
    • Top universities: The University of Lomé and the University of Kara are among the leading higher education institutions in Togo.
    • Student life: Campus life can be vibrant, with student organizations and activities. However, facilities and resources may be limited compared to universities in more developed countries.
    • Visa requirements: International students will need to obtain a student visa before arriving in Togo. The process may involve providing documentation and undergoing interviews.
    • Opportunities for international students: Togo offers opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and research in fields like agriculture, environmental studies, and development studies.

Main facts

1. Location

Togo is a country in West Africa, bordering Ghana to the west, Benin to the east, and Burkina Faso to the north. It has a short coastline along the Gulf of Guinea in the south.

2. Map References

Togo is located in the western region of Africa, within the continent’s coastal region along the Gulf of Guinea.

3. Area – Comparative

Togo has an area of approximately 57,000 square kilometers, which is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of West Virginia.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Togo shares land borders with the following countries:

5. Coastline

Togo has a coastline of approximately 56 km along the Gulf of Guinea, part of the Atlantic Ocean.

6. Maritime Claims

Togo claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 30 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles

7. Climate

Togo has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from December to March and a rainy season from April to November. Temperatures are generally warm throughout the year, with coastal areas being slightly cooler.

8. Terrain

Togo’s terrain is characterized by gently rolling savanna in the north, hills in the central region, and a low plateau in the south. The coastal region is generally flat and sandy.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Togo is Mont Agou, with an elevation of 986 meters (3,235 feet), located in the Plateaux Region. The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean, at sea level.

10. Natural Resources

Togo’s major natural resources include phosphates, limestone, marble, and arable land.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Togo include:

12. Natural Hazards

Natural hazards in Togo include hot, dry harmattan winds, periodic droughts, and inadequate supplies of potable water.

13. Geography – Notes

Togo has a narrow shape, with a coastline of only 56 km, but stretches more than 600 km inland. The country’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, with approximately 60% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and cash crop production.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 3.10%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 3. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 70.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  8.6195430.824782.
  • Capital: The capital of Togo is  Lomé
  • Major Cities:
    • Lomé – Population: 837,437
    • Sokodé – Population: 117,811
    • Kara – Population: 105,586
    • Palimé – Population: 95,334
    • Atakpamé – Population: 84,979
  • Population: 8,082,366
  • Area(Km2): 56785
  • Population Density( P/Km²):152. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:228
  • Official Language(s):Togo is primarily spoken in French at 65%, followed by Ewe at 25% and Kabiye at 10%.
  • Currency: XOF

Main Economic Indicators

Togo is a small economy in West Africa with a GDP of around $7.6 billion. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which accounts for around 25% of GDP and employs a significant portion of the workforce. Key agricultural products include coffee, cocoa, and cotton. The industrial sector, focused on mining, construction, and manufacturing, contributes around 20% of GDP. Togo faces economic challenges due to its limited natural resources, high poverty rates, and vulnerability to external shocks. The government has implemented policies aimed at promoting economic diversification, attracting foreign investment, and improving infrastructure.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

  • 2021: 4.4% (Source: World Bank)
  • 2020: 1.8% (Source: World Bank)

Credit Ratings

Credit ratings from major agencies:

  • Fitch: Not Rated
  • Moody’s: B3 (Stable)
  • Standard & Poor’s: B (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

GDP composition by sector of origin:

  • Agriculture: 25.3%
  • Industry: 19.6%
  • Services: 55.1%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Key Agricultural Products: coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, cassava, corn, beans, rice, millet, sorghum

Key Industrial Products: phosphates, cement, cotton textiles, beverages, steel, construction materials

Labor Force

Total labor force: 2.9 million (2020 est.)

Labor force ranking: 112nd out of 195 countries (World Bank)

Current Account Balance

Current account balance:

  • 2021: -$321 million (Source: World Bank)
  • 2020: -$231 million (Source: World Bank)

Current account balance ranking: 119th out of 193 countries (CIA World Factbook)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $1.4 billion (2021 est.)

Key export partners: Burkina Faso, Benin, Mali, India, China

Main exports: re-exports, cotton, phosphates, coffee, cocoa

Imports: $2.8 billion (2021 est.)

Key import partners: China, France, Netherlands, India, Belgium

Main imports: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign exchange reserves: $1.1 billion (2021 est.)

Gold reserves: 286,000 ounces (2021 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$5,459,979,417. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 16.90%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 48.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.71. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.34. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 2.04%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Togolese (singular and plural)
Adjective: Togolese

2. Ethnic Groups

Major Ethnic Groups:
– Ewe-Mina: 44%
– Kabye: 21%
– Tem: 16%
– Para-Gourma: 8%
– Other: 11%

3. Religions

Religious Affiliations:
– Christian: 28.7%
– Muslim: 20.1%
– Traditional: 51.2%

4. Age Structure

Distribution of Population by Age Group:
– 0-14 years: 39.72%
– 15-64 years: 56.53%
– 65 years and over: 3.75%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total Dependency Ratio: 77.1%
Youth Dependency Ratio: 70.3%
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 6.6%

6. Median Age

Median Age: 20.1 years
Median Age (Male): 19.4 years
Median Age (Female): 20.9 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity Rate: 8.9% (2016)
Alcohol Consumption (per capita): 0.7 liters (2019)
Tobacco Use: 13.1% of adults (2020)
Life Expectancy at Birth: 61.3 years (2022 est.)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 60.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 36.5%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:33.11. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 4.32. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 11.1%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 3,414,638. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):51.00%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Togolese military consists of the Army (Forces Armées Togolaises), the Navy (Navy Forces Togolaises), and the Air Force (Air Forces Togolaises). There is also a National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale Togolaise), a paramilitary force responsible for internal security.

Military Expenditures

Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 2.3%
  • 2021: 2.2%
  • 2020: 2.1%
  • 2019: 2.0%
  • 2018: 1.9%

Togo’s military spending ranks among the lower end globally, accounting for around 0.01% of global military expenditures.

Personnel Strengths

Active-duty military personnel: Approximately 11,000

  • Army: 9,000
  • Navy: 500
  • Air Force: 1,500

The National Gendarmerie has an additional strength of around 4,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Togo’s military equipment is primarily comprised of light weapons and aging Soviet-era hardware, including:

  • Main Battle Tanks: T-55, PT-76
  • Armored Personnel Carriers: BTR-60, EE-9 Cascavel
  • Artillery: D-30, M-30
  • Combat Aircraft: MiG-21, Alpha Jet

There are currently no major ongoing or announced future military acquisition programs.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service is voluntary in Togo, with enlistment possible between the ages of 18 and 25. There is no conscription or mandatory military service requirement.

Military Deployments

Togo contributes around 1,000 military personnel to various United Nations peacekeeping missions, including:

  • United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)
  • United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA)

Strategic Military Notes

Togo’s defense strategy is focused on maintaining internal security and stability, with limited external military capabilities. The military plays a supporting role in regional security efforts, primarily through its contributions to multinational peacekeeping operations.

Togo is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its military occasionally participates in joint exercises and operations with other ECOWAS member states.

  • Armed Forces Size: 8600. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.08
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 77.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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