Official name

République togolaise

Form of state

Unitary republic

Legal system

Based on the Napoleonic Code and the constitution of the Fourth Republic promulgated in September 1992 (and amended in December 2002)

National legislature

National Assembly, composed of 81 deputies

National elections

March 4th 2010 (presidential election); October 14th 2007 (legislative election); next elections due in 2015 (presidential election) and 2012 (legislative election)

Head of state

President, elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term; the two-term limit was dropped in 2002; Faure Gnassingbé was elected president in April 2005 and re-elected in March 2010

National government

A 31-member government was formed in May 2010; it is dominated by the Rassemblement du peuple togolais (RPT) but includes representatives from the Union des forces de changement (UFC)

Main political parties

The RPT has ruled since 1969; two opposition parties have seats in parliament-the UFC and the smaller Comité d'action pour le renouveau (CAR); there are several other opposition parties, but none is represented in parliament

President & minister of defence: Faure Gnassingbé (RPT)

Prime minister: Gilbert Houngbo (independent)

Ministers of state

Civil service & administrative reform: Solitoki Magnim Esso (RPT)

Foreign affairs & regional integration: Elliot Ohin (UFC)

Key ministers

Agriculture & fishing: Kossi Messan Ewovor (RPT)

Basic development, craft industry, youth: Victoire Tomegah-Dogbé (RPT)

Commerce & promotion of the private sector: Arthème Ahoomey-Zunu (RPT)

Economy & finance: Adji Otèth Ayassor (RPT)

Environment & forest resources: Kossivi Ayikoe (RPT)

Health: Komlan Mally (RPT)

Higher education & research: François Agbéviadé Galley (UFC)

Human rights, consolidation of democracy: Leonardina Wilson-de Souza (UFC)

Industry, freezone & technological innovation: Bakalawa Fofana (UFC)

Justice, relations with parliament: Tchitchao Tchalim (RPT)

Labour & social security: Octave Nicoué Broohm (RPT)

Mines & energy: Damipi Noupokou (RPT)

President's office (planning & development): Dédé Ahoefa Ekoue (RPT)

Promotion of women: Henriette Amedjogbé-Kouévi (RPT)

Public works: Tchamdja Andjo (RPT)

Security & civil protection: Dokissima Gnama Latta (RPT)

Social action & national solidarity: Mémounatou Ibrahima (RPT)

Sport & leisure: Padumhèkou Tchao (RPT)

Technical education & training: Hamadou Bouraïma-Diabacté (UFC)

Territorial administration & government spokesman: Pascal Akousoulélou Bodjona (RPT)

Tourism: Batienne Kpabre-Sylli (RPT)

Transport: Ninsao Gnofam (RPT)

Water & sanitation: Ayéva Essofa (RPT)

Governor of regional central bank (BCEAO)

Jean-Baptiste Compaoré (interim)