Togo's population is composed of thirty or forty ethnic groups, and as many
languages are spoken. The two major groups are the Ewé and the Kabye.
The Gurma, Kebu, and Ane (or Mina) peoples are
significant minorities. The highest
concentration of people is along the coast, in the Maritime Region, which is home to the
capital city Lomé, and Aného, Togo's colonial capital until 1920. The markets are busy,
the bars and clubs are popular, and French and Ewé are the dominant languages.
In the North of the country life is centred around villages, areas of the country which
are very distinct, each having their own traditions, music, dance and arts.
Although Christianity has had a powerful
effect on the country, around half the people in Togo still follow traditional African
animist beliefs. The main Protestant church is led by Togolese moderators, and the Roman
Catholic church has been headed by a Togolese Archbishop since independence. Voudou
(or Voodoo), a religion which combines animist beliefs with elements of Roman Catholicism,
is also popular, especially along the coast.
There are many stories about people in
Togo: this is just one, about the Foyer Nanaviwo orphanage.
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