TOGO
- History
- Geographical location
- Climate
- Population / Languages
Discovering a country
- Art and culture
- Discovery safari
- Flora
- National Parks
- Craft industry
- Ecotourism
- Sports and leisure
Getting to Togo
- Useful information
- Touristic map
History
In 1471, Portuguese explorers João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar became the first Europeans to reach the coast of present-day Togo. They established trading posts at Porto Seguro and Petit Popo (now Anécho), engaging in commerce involving gold, ivory, and slaves.
In 1884, German explorer Gustav Nachtigal signed a protectorate treaty with King Mlapa III of Togo-Bè, establishing German control over the region. This marked the beginning of German Togoland, Germany’s first African colony.
Following World War I, Germany renounced its colonies under the Treaty of Versailles. In 1922, the League of Nations granted France a mandate to administer the eastern part of Togoland, establishing French Togoland as a League of Nations mandate.
On 27 April 1960, Togo gained independence from France, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history. To commemorate this achievement, Togo adopted a new national flag designed by Togolese artist Paul Ahyi. The flag features five horizontal stripes—green and yellow—representing the country’s five regions.
In the canton, a red square contains a white five-pointed star, symbolizing peace, intelligence, and light. The flag’s design incorporates the pan-African colours of green, yellow, and red, reflecting the nation’s unity and identity.
