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From the late 19th century the West African republic of Togo was part of a German ruled protectorate called Togoland.
At the start of the First World War, in 1914, Great Britain and France seized Togoland from Germany and, in 1920, split it into two administrative divisions.
The division was confirmed by a League of Nations mandate in 1922; Britain governed west Togoland as British Togoland and France governed east Togoland, the present day Togo, as French Togoland.
In 1958, French Togoland became a self-governing republic within the French Community and in February 1960 achieved full independence as the Togo Republic.
British Togoland was eventually incorporated into neighbouring Ghana, also a former British colony.
The current flag of Togo was adopted upon independence from France on the 27th of April 1960.
The Togo Republic's flag displays the pan-African colours of red, yellow and green, which have been adopted by many African ex-colonies and symbolise African independence and unity.
It is believed the colours originated from the flag of Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in Africa. |
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Red represents loyalty and the patriotism of the Togolese towards their country. Green symbolises hope, fertility and agriculture. Yellow represents Togo’s mineral wealth and faith that through hard work and the people’s strength the country will prosper.
The white star connotes purity and represents Togo’s independence.
The five stripes, three green and two yellow, symbolise the five distinct geographical regions of Togo. |
