Togo

Type of Government: Republic

Independence: 1960 from France

Head of State: President Faure Gnassingbe (since February 6, 2005)

2007/2008 UN Development Index ranking (out of 177 countries): 152

2007 TI Corruption Perception Index (out of 179): 143

Political Development: Gen. Gnassingbe Eyadema, installed as military ruler in 1967, continued to rule into the 21st century.  Despite the facade of multiparty elections instituted in the early 1990s, the government continued to be dominated by President Eyadema, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party has maintained power almost continually since 1967.  Togo has come under fire from international organizations for human rights abuses and is plagued by political unrest.  While most bilateral and multilateral aid to Togo remains frozen, the EU initiated a partial resumption of cooperation and development aid to Togo in late 2004 based upon commitments by Togo to expand opportunities for political opposition and liberalize portions of the economy.  Upon his death in February 2005, President Eyadema was succeeded by his son Faure Gnassingbe.  The succession supported by the military and in contravention of the nation’s constitution, was challenged by popular protest and a threat of sanctions from regional leaders.  Gnassingbe succumbed to pressure and in April 2005 held elections that legitimized his succession.

Adult HIV Rate: 4.1%

Life Expectancy: 57.86

GDP: $2.089 billion

Inflation: 2.2%

Poverty: 32%

Petroleum: N/A

Leading Export Partner: Ghana (16.7%)

Economic Note: is heavily dependent on both commercial and subsistence agriculture, which provides employment for 65% of the labor force.  Some basic foodstuffs must still be imported.  Cocoa, coffee, and cotton generate about 40% of export earnings with cotton being the most important cash crop.  Togo is the world’s fourth-largest producer of phosphate.  The government’s decade-long effort, supported by the World Bank and the IMF, to implement economic reform measures, encourage foreign investment, and bring revenues in line with expenditures has moved slowly.  Progress depends on follow through on privatization, increased openness in government financial operations, progress toward legislative elections, and continued support from foreign donors.