Fish caught off the coast include mackerel, bass, seabream, red snapper, triggerfish, dorado, ray, and sole, while crustaceans include shrimp and lobster. In the Keran Forest Reserve near Sansanné-Mango in the north, there are wild herds of buffalo, asses, warthogs, antelope, and deer. 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. In the southwest the indigenous Kwa peoples also belonging to the central Togo group are the Kposo (Akposso), the Adele, and the Ahlo. Coconut trees in the coastal zone near Lomé, Togo. Northeast of the plateau is a tableland, the highest elevations reaching 1,300 to 1,500 feet (400 to 460 metres). Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 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. Part of a chain that begins in the Akwapim Hills of Ghana (see Akwapim-Togo ranges), the range ends in Benin, where it is known as the Atakora Mountains. This discussion focuses on the history of Togo since the 19th century. 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 Togo Mountains to the north lies the Oti River sandstone plateau. Togo, country of western Africa. The only port was Petit Popo (Anécho, or Aného). The economy rests largely on agriculture, although the country’s extensive phosphate reserves are also significant. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. His leadership has had a stabilizing effect since the country experienced resounding economic and political difficulties in the early 1990s. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Its star player, Emmanuel Adebayor, currently earns millions playing in the English Premier League and was voted African player of the year in 2008. Until 1884 Togoland was an indeterminate buffer zone between the warring states of Asante and Dahomey. Throughout the 18th century the Togo portion of the Slave Coast was held by the Danes. In the south the rainy seasons occur from mid-April through June and from mid-September through October. In 1922 the League of Nations assigned eastern Togoland to France and … The coastal zone is dotted with mangrove and reed swamps. Plantations were established both by the government and by private German corporations, but crop development was left mainly to the Togolese, assisted by agriculturists trained at a college in Nuatja (Notsé). Omissions? In October 1926, Seppala, Togo, and a team of dogs went on a tour from Seattle, Washington to California; Seppala and Togo drew large crowds at stadiums and department stores, and even appeared in a Lucky Strike cigarette campaign. 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. In 1884 Gustav Nachtigal, sent by the German government, induced a number of coastal chiefs to accept German protection. By 1920, most of the territory was succeeded to the French, bar a small portion that was still controlled by the British, called ‘British Togoland’. Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Togo, Togo - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Togo - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Lomé, at the western end of the coast, was selected as the colonial capital in 1897, a modern town was laid out, and in 1904 a jetty was built. 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.