It is the 61st anniversary of Togo’s independence from France. The west African country, Togo gained independence from France on the 27th of April 1960; 1 year before Sierra Leone gained independence on same day from Britain.
To celebrate Togo’s Independence, here are interesting facts about Togo
Flag
The togolese flag has stripes. The five stripes represent the five regions of Togo. The yellow stripes represents mineral wealth and faith while the green stripes represent hope, fertility and agriculture. The red square symbolizes loyalty and patriotism and the white star represents life, peace, purity and independence.
Voodoo
Voodoo is the oldest traditional form of African religion in West Africa, to which Togo and Benin are its heartlands. A large population of Togolese citizens practice their traditional African spirituality. The biggest voodoo market in Africa is found in to go. There are many of other voodoo markets in Togo and they are well visited and patronized.
Pearl Of West Africa
Evala Festival
One of Togo’s most popular cultural events in the country is the Evala festival. The festival is an rite of passage/ important initiation ritual in the maturity of young men. Every year, hundreds of young men from across Togo gather in the town of Kara and wrestle each other. The festival also includes eating dog meat.
Home Of The Batammariba (Masters Of Penis Enlargement)
Before the advent of penis enlargement pills and surgeries, the Batammariba people mastered the art of penis enlargement. They reside in the northeastern Kara regions of Northern Togo. Also, the home of Togo’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba. The site consists of mud tower-houses; known as Takienta – which have come to be seen as a symbol of Togo.
Biggest Ivory Seizure
In the year 2015 in Lomé, the biggest seizure of ivory in African history took place. Over four tons of elephant tusks were apprehended; representing around 800 poached elephants.
Most Diverse West African Parks
Togo is home to one of the most diverse West African parks in terms of topography which is the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park. The has an array of landscapes including forest, savannah, rocky cliffs and waterfalls as well as 203 species of mammals including birds, monkeys, antelopes and elephants.
Land of the lagoons
The name Togo comes from the language spoken by the local tribes which means “land where lagoons lie”.
Togoland
Togoland was conquered by Anglo-French forces at the onset of World War I in 1914. However, following Germany’s defeat in 1918, the region was divided into British Togoland in the west and French Togoland in the east. Both Britain and France had mandates from the League of Nations, which became United Nations mandates from 1946.
Sodabi
The National beverage of Togo is called sodabi. Palm sap is first fermented into palm wine, and then the palm wine is heated in a way to separate out the alcoholic content to become sodabi. Sodabi is an integral part of the culture of Togo (and neighboring Benin). It is served at weddings, holidays, and as a sign of hospitality.
Staple foods In Togo
Staple foods in Togolese cuisine include maize, rice, millet, cassava, yam, plantain and beans. Maize is the most commonly consumed food in the Togolese Republic. Fish is a significant source of protein, and bush meat is often hunted and consumed.
