In 2002, Togo was a West African country with a population of around 5 million people. It had been an independent nation since 1960 and its official language was French, although many other languages were spoken in the region. The economy of Togo was largely driven by its agricultural sector which accounted for approximately 40% of GDP in 2002, while other important industries included mining and manufacturing. Despite its wealth there were still some social issues such as gender inequality with women holding fewer positions in politics than men. In addition to this, there were also high levels of poverty due to low levels of economic development leading to an estimated 60-70% living below the poverty line in 2002. Healthcare services were provided free of charge for all residents regardless of their nationality or income level but education was not free and only available to those who could afford it or had access through family connections. According to computerannals, Togo had achieved a certain degree of stability by 2002 while still striving towards greater social equality and economic prosperity for all its citizens.

Yearbook 2002

Togo. Several years of political contradictions escalated when a new electoral law, adopted at the beginning of the year, stated that electoral candidates must have lived in Togo continuously for the past twelve months. The law was considered tailor-made to exclude opposition leader Gilchrist Olympio, who lives in neighboring Ghana for security reasons. The opposition then rejected an offer to participate in the electoral commission. With reference to this boycott, the government postponed the election, which would have been held on March 10, after previously being both in 2000 and 2001.

In June, President Gnassingbé Eyadéma dismissed Prime Minister Gabriel Messan Agbéyomè Kodjo, formerly one of his closest confidants. Kodjo accused the president of abusing power, but soon became himself the subject of a gross campaign of dirt and was forced to leave the country.

According to Countryaah website, national day of Togo is every April 27. A new press law established up to five years in prison and up to the equivalent of SEK 70,000. in fines for articles that offend the president. The law soon came into effect when an opposition politician and magazine publisher was jailed for four months for false information about the president’s private fortune.

Finally, the parliamentary elections were held in October but boycotted by the major opposition parties, giving the ruling Assembly for the Togolese People (RPT) 72 of the 81 seats. The EU refrained from contributing to the financing of the elections, which through the boycott did not become the intended end point for many years of conflict.

By virtue of his vast majority, in December, the RPT revoked the constitutional clause that would have forced President Eyadéma to resign in 2003. He is now basically able to be re-elected as head of state life.

Togo Country Overview

Visas
A Finnish citizen needs a visa when traveling to Togo. You can get a Togolese visa from Finland, the Togolese Consulate in Helsinki. If you wish, we can arrange visas for an additional fee.

• According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, TGO stands for Togo.

Insurance
Every person participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well. In many locations, the insurance must also be valid when moving at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, in which case it also covers mountain sickness.

Many hiking or diving trips require more extensive insurance, which covers, for example, diving or moving on a glacier. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Vaccinations
In addition to the basic vaccinations, yellow fever is mandatory for this trip (you will need an international vaccination card with a yellow fever mark to prove vaccination. Hepatitis A vaccination and malaria medication are recommended.

Currency In
Togo, it is not generally possible to use a debit or credit card as a means of payment, so the use of cash is recommended.

The Togolese currency is the CFA Franc (West African Franc, XOF). CFA francs are not available outside the countries.
At Lomé banks and exchange offices, money can be exchanged from euros and US dollars to the local currency.
Money can be withdrawn from ATMs at Lomé banks and usually only VISA-marked cards are accepted at ATMs.

Tips
It is not mandatory to submit a tip. However, good service is normally given a 10% tip on the final bill.

Time difference
The time difference to Finland is -2 hours in winter and -3 hours in summer.

Electric
current Electric current: 220-240V, 50Hz. An adapter is not required for Finnish devices.

Mobile phones
Check the coverage of your phone with your carrier. The Togo area code is +228.