Religion in Togo

Religion in Togo (Arda 2020 estimate)^[1]

  Christianity (47.8%)

  Traditional faiths (32.4%)

  Islam (18.4%)

  Other (0.6%)

  Baháʼí (0.5%)

  None (0.2%)

Holy Ghost Cathedral in Kpalimé.

Religion in Togo is diverse, with Christianity being the most widely professed faith. A substantial number of the Togolese also practice traditional faiths and Islam.

A significant number of Christians and Muslims in Togo also incorporate elements of folk religion.^[2][3] Togo is a secular state and the nation's constitution provides freedom of religion and worship.^[4]

Overview

The 2014 General Population and Housing Census noted that 25% of the population was Roman Catholic, making it the primary branch of Christianity in Togo, while other denominations included Methodists, Lutherans, Assemblies of God, Seventh-day Adventists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and Jehovah's Witnesses. Nichiren Buddhists, followers of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, Baha’is and Hindus are among other religious groups in the country.^[5]

Christians live mainly in the south of the country, while Muslims live predominately in the central and northern regions.

Freedom of Religion

In 2022, Freedom House rated Togo's religious freedom as 3 out of 4,^[6] noting that religious freedom is constitutionally protected and generally respected in practice. Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism are recognised by the state; other groups must register as religious associations to receive similar benefits. The registration process has been subject to long delays with almost 900 applications pending at the beginning of 2021.

See also

• Catholic Church in Togo
• Islam in Togo

References

1. "Religions in Togo | Arda". www.globalreligiousfutures.org. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
2. "Togo 2012 International Religious Freedom Report" (PDF). 2009-2017 Archive for the U.S. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. 2012. p. 1. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
3. Matt, Phillips; Andrew, David; Bainbridge, James; Bewer, Tim; Bindloss, Joe; Carillet, Jean-Bernard; Clammer, Paul; Cornwell, Jane; Crossan, Rob; et al. (Authors) (September 2007). The Africa Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the Continent. Coordinated by Matt Phillips. Footscray, Australia: Lonely Planet. p. 94. ISBN 978-1-74104-602-1. OCLC 144596621.
4. "Togo 2021 International Religious Freedom Report" (PDF). Office of International Religious Freedom. 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
5. US State Dept 2021 report, Retrieved 2023-4-25
6. Freedom House, Retrieved 2023-04-25