Salut! Welcome to the narrow strip of beauty on the Gulf of Guinea—Togo, one of the smallest countries in Africa, known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant markets. There are around 9 million people living here, and the capital is Lomé, a coastal city famous for its palm-lined Atlantic beaches and grand markets. The official language is French, but Ewe and Kabye are widely spoken, reflecting the nation’s rich ethnic tapestry.

Togo covers about 56,785 square kilometers (21,925 square miles). To imagine its size, the country is roughly the same size as the state of West Virginia in the U.S., or about twice the size of Belgium. It is a long, thin nation that stretches about 579 kilometers (360 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean up to the borders of Burkina Faso.

The most popular sport is Football, and the nation famously qualified for the World Cup in 2006, led by the legendary Emmanuel Adebayor. Their national animal is the Lion, though you are more likely to see various monkeys and diverse birdlife in the country’s national parks today.

The flag consists of five horizontal stripes of green and yellow with a red square in the upper hoist corner containing a white five-pointed star, where the green represents agricultural hope, the yellow symbolizes the country’s mineral wealth, the red stands for the blood of those who fought for independence, and the white star signifies life and liberty.

The food is a delicious blend of West African traditions. You must try Fufu, a dough-like staple made from boiled yams or cassava, traditionally served with a spicy peanut or palm nut soup. Another favorite is Ablo, a slightly sweet, steamed corn cake often eaten with grilled fish and spicy tomato sauce. For a snack, look for Klako, which are deep-fried plantain fritters.

Togo is home to Koutammakou, the “Land of the Batammariba,” a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique two-story mud-tower houses known as Takienta. The country features Lake Togo, a shallow lagoon where you can take a dugout canoe to the historic village of Togoville, where the treaty for the German protectorate was signed. You can visit the Akodessewa Fetish Market in Lomé, known as the largest voodoo market in the world, where traditional healers find everything they need for their ceremonies. For a mountain escape, head to Kpalimé, a lush region surrounded by coffee and cocoa plantations and beautiful waterfalls. Interestingly, Togo is one of the world’s top producers of phosphates, which are used globally in fertilizers!

From the bustling stalls of the Grand Marché to the serene heights of Mount Agou, Togo is a land of hidden treasures and incredible hospitality. Merci! That means “Thank you!”