Capital–Lome 1,593,000 (pop. 2009 est.). Other major cities–Sokode 111,200; Kara 104,900; Atakpame 77,300; Dapaong 53,600.

Population (2011 estimate): 6,771,993.

Ethnic groups: Ewe, Mina, Kabye, Cotocoli, Moba, and others.

Religions (est.): Indigenous beliefs 51% Christian 29%, Muslim 20%.

Languages: French (official), local (Ewe, Mina, Kabye).

Government: Type: Republic.
Branches Executive–president (chief of state); prime minister (head of government).

Legislative–National Assembly.

Judicial–Supreme Court.

Living Conditions
Education: Attendance (2006)–74.6% of age group 6-11 enrolled. Literacy (2006)–male 70%, female 44%. Health: Life expectancy (2011)–male 60 years, female 65 years. Infant mortality–49.87 deaths/1,000 live births,
Work force: (1999 est.) Total–2 million (43% of the total population); rural work force (est.)–1,350,000; urban work force (est.)–650,000. Togo’s long-suffering population has seen its living standards decline precipitously since the beginning of the 1990s.

History: Togo’s history has been similar to other African nations with the slave trade and subsequent colonization by European nations. Controlled by Germany from 1884 to 1914, it was then subject to British and French administration. British Togo residents voted to become part of Ghana in 1957 while French Togo became independent in 1960. From then on a series of coups, rebellions and insurrections have kept the country in a state of political instability.

Pray for:

• An openness to the gospel through CPM.

• A turning from the traditional animistic religions.

• Dr Poupo Elie as he reaches out to Francophones.

• A stable, righteous government.

• Men of Peace.