Togo seems to be squashed in between neighbouring Ghana, Burkina Faso and Benin. Yet this tiny sliver of a country manages to squeeze in dense forests, savannah, coastal lagoons, long sandy beaches and swampy plains.

Despite its uncertain political situation, the country boasts captivating wonders and offers a nice succession of landscapes.

The capital city Lomé lies on the Gulf of Benin and is the only capital in the world situated right next to a border. Modern hotels line the beach, while the city’s past can be uncovered among the pockets of colonial architecture and its traditions discovered in the famous fetish market, which sells traditional remedies and carved figures to ward off evil.

Togo’s national parks are home to buffaloes, elephants and antelope, as well as numerous tropical bird species. Coffee and cocoa farms, waterfalls and palm plantations characterise the country’s plateau, which rises behind the coast. In northeastern Togo, the traditional mud-tower settlements of the Batammariba in the Koutammakou landscape gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2004.

56,785 sq km (21,925 sq miles).

5.1 million (UN estimate 2005).

89.8 per sq km.

Lomé. Population: 732,000 (official estimate 2001).

Republic since 1967. Gained independence from France in 1960.

French is the official language, while Ewe, Watchi and Kabiyé are the most widely spoken African languages. Very little English is spoken.

50% traditional or animist, 35% Christian and 15% Muslim.

GMT.

Music and dance are the most popular forms of culture. The Togolese have had a varied colonial heritage which has resulted in the variety of Christian denominations and European languages; the voodoo religion is a strong influence in the country and many young girls, after fulfilling an initiation period, will devote their lives to serving the religion and the voodoo village priest. Practical, casual clothes are suitable. Beachwear should not be worn away from the beach or poolside.

220 volts AC, 50Hz single phase. Plugs are square or round two-pin.

Prime Minister Yawovi Agboyibo since 2006.

President Faure Gnassingbe since April 2005 (succeeded his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, after his death in February 2005).