New rule

The amazing Kate Orman suggested a new rule: When you see a country in the news, and you don't know where it is or much about it, go look it up and post facts about it in your LJ, so we can all learn a little more about this great, big, wonderful world we live in.

Today's entry is about TOGO.

Here is the news:

"Togo was thrust into turmoil after the February 5 death of Gnassingbe Eyadema, whose 38-year-rule had made him Africa's longest-ruling dictator and left Togo politically divided and in economic ruin.
Hours after Eyadema's death from a heart attack, the military -- which wields much of the power here -- named his son president. But the 39-year-old son stepped down after protests at home and abroad, handing power to the deputy parliament speaker and announcing he'd stand in elections instead. Electoral officials said he took 60 percent versus Akitani's 38 percent in Sunday's voting."

Here is the scoop:

Located in West Africa, on the Atlantic coast on Bight of Benin, between Ghana and Benin
Area: slightly smaller than W. Virginia
Capial: Lome
Population: 5.5 million people
Offical Language: French (former French colony)