Religion in Togo
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. Togo is a secular state and the nation's constitution provides freedom of religion and worship.
Overview
The 2014 General Population and Housing Census noted that 25% of the population was 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 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.Christians live mainly in the south of the country, while Muslims live predominately in the central and northern regions.
Traditional African religions
In 2021, approximately one-third of the population practiced an animist religion. Among Christians and Muslims, some practice a form of worship that combines traditional rites and Voodoo beliefs. The Togolese remain very attached to animist practices and their ancestral customs. Among these religions, the most important are the Yoruba religion, whose famous ceremony, the Gelede, is characterized by the expression of feelings through music and songs, and fetishism, which is the worship of fetishes believed to cure the ills caused by witchcraft.Protestantism and the Orange Order
The Togolese branch of the Orange Order, governed by the Grand Lodge of Togo, serves as a local chapter of the international Protestant fraternal organization. Its origins trace back to September 1915 with the establishment of its first lodge, LOL 867, "Defenders of Lome," by John Amate Atayi. Atayi, a Togolese local, was first initiated into the order in Lagos, Nigeria, before bringing its principles to his home country. the lodges in Togo, which also include LOL 884, concentrate on positive evangelism, youth development, and community philanthropy. Members interpret the victory of William of Orange not as a political symbol but rather as a testament to civil and religious freedom. This perspective highlights the organization's focus on non-political, charitable works and spiritual growth within the local community.Islam
Islam was introduced to Togo by Berber groups who built mosques and converted populations, so that by 1900, 4% of the population was Muslim. In the 17th century, the Tchokossi, a Muslim people, settled in the Mango region and gradually spread northward. German, and later French, rule was considered very favorable to the development of Islam in the country. The settlers signed agreements with the Muslim Berbers of the region to provide them with gold, weapons and mercenaries. The first mosque in Togo was built in the middle of the 19th century in the village of Didawurê.In 1997, Togo has become a member country of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
In 2025, Muslims represent around 16% of the total population. The vast majority of Muslims in Togo are Sunni of the Maliki school.