Togo

Togo is situated on the west side of the African continent, between Ghana and Benin, and borders with Burkina Faso in the north. With a surface area of 56,785 km2, Togo is one of the smallest countries in West Africa but it is also one of the most densely populated. 28.6% of its land is used for agricultural purposes. Lome, Togo’s capital, is situated in the coastal region on the border with Ghana and is the largest city in the country with a population of around one million inhabitants
The state of the country is strongly influenced by the present political situation which prevents attainment of sustainable development. A large proportion of international aid has been suspended and few activities are ongoing. At the international level Togo is relatively isolated and this weighs heavily upon the social and economic life of the nation. The healthcare infrastructure is not functional and the countries health situation is deteriorating; there are not sufficient funds to pay the medical staff and in Togo there is only one doctor per 10,000 inhabitants.

Facts and figures:
Surface area: 56,785 km2
Population: 5.8 million
Capital: Lome
Urban population: 34%
Population growth: 2.7% per annum
Under 5 mortality: 141 per 1,000 live births
Infant mortality: 79 per 1,000 live births
Maternal mortality: 480 per 100,000 births
Fertility rate: 4.9 births per woman
Life expectancy: 58 years
Illiteracy rate - women: 53% (2003)
Illiteracy rate - men: 25%
Religion: 51% traditional religions, 29% Catholic, 20% Muslim

A health centre for Elémé
Since it was opened in the year 2000, the health of the general population, and in particular that of the women and children, has undergone a remarkable improvement. Activities including cookery demonstrations, inoculation initiatives and information on family planning attract women and children alike. More