Introduction to TOGO
THE TOGOLESE REPUBLIC, a narrow land flanked by Benin and Ghana, has only been operating democratically since 2007. Independent since 1960, the West African nation is home to beach resorts and fetish markets. Recently, the country has made efforts to correct past human rights abuses and is subsequently being welcomed back into the international community. The TOGOLESE people
Total population: 6,019,877
Children under 15: 2,498,041
Average Life Expectancy: 58.69 years
Per capita annual income: $900
% children in primary school: 77.23%
Average years of education: 9 years
Literacy rate: 60.9%
Internet users: 350,000
Cell phones in use: 1.547 million
Major/official language(s): French, Ewe, Mina, Kabye
Risk issues impacting children:
· Children face an array of threats that have worsened in recent years, including human trafficking, violence and sexual exploitation.
· Young people are increasingly vulnerable to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
· Girls continue to lag behind boys in primary school enrollment.
More about TOGO
Capital city: Lome
Type of government: Republic under transition to Multiparty Democratic rule
Square kilometers: 56,785
General terrain: Savanna in north, central hills, southern plateau, coastal plains with lagoons and marshes
Major industries/jobs: Agriculture, phosphate mining, cement
National motto: “Work, Liberty, Homeland”
Major airport(s): Lome International Gnassimbge Eyadema
Reaching TOGO
Currently classified as World B: Somewhat Reached
Major religions:
Indigenous - 51%
Christian - 29%
Muslim - 20%
Christian groups:
Roman Catholic - 49%
Protestant - 24.3%
Other - 15.9%
Independent - 10.7%
Unreached People Groups: 6 (6.2% of pop)
Average annual Christian growth: 0.064
Average annual baptisms: 86,906
Foreign missionaries: 630
Per million: 100.99
National Christian workers/pastors: 1,200 Per million: 192.35
Number of churches/congregations: 4,155
Youth &Children’s ministry in TOGO
Specific children’s ministry information has not been provided for Togo. The following information regards general children’s ministry in West Africa, and may not all be applicable to this nation.
Overview: • Children’s ministry has been growing in some
regions of West Africa, with many pastors coming to understand the importance of ministry to children as part of a church’s role. These churches are giving some space, resources and priority to work with children. In outlying areas and villages, a strategic focus on children is less common.
• Some nations in the region have strong Muslim or indigenous religious influences which present significant challenge to reaching and discipling children.
• Lack of finances, resources, and training continue to slow the growth of children’s ministry in this area.
• A substantial number of outside teams do ministry to children.
