Togo: Terminale School Subjects - History and Geography

History

Early History (11th-16th Centuries): Various people groups settled within the boundaries of modern-day Togo between the 11th and 16th centuries.

Slave Trade Era (16th-18th Centuries): During this period, the coastal region became a major hub for the European slave trade, leading to the area being called "The Slave Coast".

German Colonization (1884-1914): In 1884, Germany established a protectorate along the coast, which gradually expanded inland. This eventually led to the formation of the German colony of Togoland in 1905.

Partition and Mandates (1914-1960): During World War I, British and French forces invaded Togoland. After the war, Togoland became a League of Nations mandate, with the western part administered by Britain and the eastern part by France.

Independence (1960): French Togoland gained independence in 1960, becoming the nation of Togo.

Geography

Location and Size: Togo is a West African nation located between Ghana to the west and Benin to the east, with Burkina Faso to its north. It has a short coastline along the Atlantic Ocean's Gulf of Guinea. The country stretches approximately 320 miles (515 km) north from the coast and has an average width of 56 miles (90 km).

Geographic Regions: Togo is divided into six geographic regions:

• Coastal Region: Characterized by low-lying sandy beaches, tidal flats, and shallow lagoons, including Lake Togo.
• Ouatchi Plateau: Located inland from the coast, extending about 20 miles (32 km) with an elevation of 200 to 300 feet (60 to 90 meters).
• Central Hills: A hilly region located in the central part of the country.
• Northern Savanna: A rolling savanna landscape dominates the northern part of Togo.
• Southern Plateau: A plateau region located in the south, covered with savanna and woodland.
• Mountains: Togo's highest point is Mount Agou, at 986 meters (3,235 ft).

Climate: Togo's climate varies from tropical in the south to savanna in the north. The southern region is humid, with an average annual temperature of 27°C. The north experiences greater temperature fluctuations, ranging from 17°C to 41°C.