HISTORY OF TOGO German colony French and British rule Independence. Between the 11th and 16th centuries, Togo was populated by various tribes, who migrated here from nearby areas.
Slavery was abolished in the early 19th century; however, toward the end of that century Africa suffered another blow from the empire-building European nations. Almost half of the population is Christian, many of whom are Roman Catholic, although there are also substantial Protestant, independent, and other Christian communities. The northern groups include the following Gur-speaking peoples: the Gurma; the Natimba, Dye, and Konkomba; the Tamberma; the Basari; the Moba; the Losso (Naudem); the Kabre and Logba; and the Lamba (Namba); a small number of Atlantic-speaking Fulani; and the Kebu (Akebu). The coastal zone is dotted with mangrove and reed swamps. The Ewe, who emigrated from Nigeria between the 14th and 16th century, form the major ethnic group. This is a savanna region drained by the Oti River, one of the main tributaries of the Volta. Peanut (groundnut) cultivation was introduced in the northern areas, and energetic action was taken against trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). Following UN representations, elections in April 1958 favoured complete independence and rejected Grunitzky’s Togolese Progress Party in favour of Sylvanus Olympio’s Togolese National Unity Party. There are also some scattered Yoruba, mainly Ana. Woman participating in a Vodou ceremony in Lomé, Togo. Beyond the Togo Mountains to the north lies the Oti River sandstone plateau.
His skeleton is in the Peabody Museum of Natural History's collection at Yale University. Daily maxima in the low 100s F (high 30s C) occur in the north during March and April at the end of the long dry season. Wild animals are not found in great numbers, especially in the southern and central regions. This was met with widespread condemnation from the international community, who urged the country to hold democratic elections. The low-lying, sandy beaches of the narrow coastal region are backed by tidal flats and shallow lagoons, the largest of which is Lake Togo. On the southern plateaus large trees, including the baobab, are common, but they are rare in the north. German military expeditions (1888–97) met with little resistance, securing a hinterland the boundaries of which also were determined by treaties with France (1897) and Great Britain (1899). When British Togo was attached to the Gold Coast, French Togo was formed into a distinct unit until 1934, when a kind of economic union was established with Dahomey; this was replaced in 1936 by a qualified integration with French West Africa that lasted 10 years. In the south the rainy seasons occur from mid-April through June and from mid-September through October. French Togo was administered by a commissioner assisted by a consultative executive council. This is the region of the so-called terre de barre, a lateritic (reddish, leached, iron-bearing) soil. Recent culture has seen Togo put onto the world stage by its national soccer team which reached the FIFA World Cup in 2006. Beyond the coast lies the Ouatchi Plateau, which stretches about 20 miles (32 km) inland at an elevation of some 200 to 300 feet (60 to 90 metres). Compared to many other African nations, Togo has a short history.
Ten years later British Togoland was incorporated into the Gold Coast, and French Togoland became an autonomous republic within the French Union. In 1884 it became part of the Togoland German protectorate, which was occupied by British and French forces in 1914. By clicking "Sign Up" or "Sign In with Facebook" I acknowledge and, 3 Ways to Get Wet and Wild in Myrtle Beach, 14 Landmarks That Should Be Considered World Wonders, These Are the Most Peaceful Countries on the Planet, Deserts in Bloom: 6 Spots for Springtime Wildflower Watching, Yoho National Park Is the Most Incredible Place You've Never Heard Of. This status was confirmed (despite Ewe opposition) by a plebiscite held in October under French auspices. In 1922 the League of Nations assigned eastern Togoland to France and … Togo in History. The only port was Petit Popo (Anécho, or Aného). In 1922 the League of Nations assigned eastern Togoland to France and the western portion to Britain.
Its star player, Emmanuel Adebayor, currently earns millions playing in the English Premier League and was voted African player of the year in 2008.
Togo has a tropical climate. Until 1884 Togoland was an indeterminate buffer zone between the warring states of Asante and Dahomey.
The population of Togo is made up of about 30 ethnic groups, many of whom are immigrants from other parts of western Africa. The north has only one rainy season, when precipitation averages about 45 inches (1,150 mm), mostly falling from June to the end of September; during the rest of the year the warm, dry harmattan (a dust-laden wind) predominates. He immediately stepped down and called elections, which saw him reelected. German missionaries arrived in Ewe territory in 1847, and German traders were soon established at Anécho.
Daily minimum temperatures reaching the high 60s F (low 20s C) are recorded in the mountains in August. For a more complete treatment of the country in its regional context, see western Africa, history of. For a more complete treatment of the country in its regional context, see western Africa, history of. Former Director, Office of the Commissioner for Namibia, United Nations, New York City. The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. German administration was efficient but marred by its harsh treatment of Africans and use of forced labour. More than one-eighth of the population is Muslim. Togo, country of western Africa. This discussion focuses on the history of Togo since the 19th century. Trade was chiefly in palm products, rubber, cotton, and cocoa beans. Nicolas Grunitzky was appointed premier. After 1947 the Ewe people in southern Togoland represented to the Trusteeship Council that either their territories or the whole of Togoland should be brought under a common administration. Modern history has been short for Togo as well since it avoided early colonization by Europe and gained independence early on, with only a short period as a colony per se. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Fish caught off the coast include mackerel, bass, seabream, red snapper, triggerfish, dorado, ray, and sole, while crustaceans include shrimp and lobster. Brazilians, or Portuguese of Brazilian birth, constituted the original trading settlement in Togo, and today African-Brazilians are closely associated with economic and political development. The real Togo's mounted skin is on display at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters museum in Wasilla, Alaska. Modern history has been short for Togo as well since it avoided early colonization by Europe and gained independence early on, with only a short period as a colony per se. Agricultural development was pursued, and a planned settlement of the interior by the Kabre and other peoples was carried out. After Germany renounced its sovereignty in the Treaty of Versailles, the League of Nations in 1922 issued mandates to Britain and France for the administration of their spheres. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The official language is French, although it is not widely spoken outside of business and government. Since independence, the Roman Catholic Church in Togo has been headed by a Togolese archbishop. Important events, famous birthdays and historical deaths from our searchable today in history archives. In a desperate bid to prove might and international power, European countries carved up any remaining regions of the continent that had not been colonized. In New York City, Seppala drove his team from the steps of City Hall along Fifth Avenue and made a pass through Central Park. This region is drained by the Mono River and its tributaries, including the Ogou, and other smaller rivers. This was short lived since by 1960, the country had declared independence in what was a peaceful and smooth transition. It is perhaps this limited European cultural influence which has allowed Togo to remain steeped in traditional African culture, which can be seen in the voodoo beliefs which are still widely practiced today.