Why Aného
Aného, historically referred to by names such as Petit Popo, Little Popo, or Anecho, is a coastal town located in the southeastern Maritime Region of Togo. Situated along the Gulf of Guinea near the border with Benin, it lies roughly 45 kilometers east of the capital city, Lomé. The town occupies a distinct geographic position, nestled between the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the inland shores of Lake Togo.
The settlement was established in the late 17th century by Ane refugees escaping Denkyira conflicts in Elmina, located in present-day Ghana. Over the following decades, it functioned as a Portuguese slave market and trading center, while also providing refuge to King Ofori of Accra following the conquest of his kingdom by the Akwamu. The town itself was later taken in April 1702. Aného served as the initial capital of German Togoland between 1885 and 1887, after which the administrative center moved to the neighboring town of Zebe, and eventually to Lomé in 1897. It later served as the capital under French occupation from 1914 to 1920. Ongoing coastal erosion and shifting administrative roles led to a gradual decrease in its regional dominance, though it maintained its status as a notable intellectual center, with an estimated population of 25,400 in 2005.
Modern Aného is supported primarily by local agriculture and fishing activities. The town also retains strong spiritual roots, remaining a recognized hub for Voodoo practices within the region.
Visitors to Aného can view several historic religious structures that reflect its colonial-era heritage. Among these are the Protestant Church, constructed in 1895, and the Saints Peter and Paul Church, an 1898 cathedral serving the Roman Catholic Diocese of Aného. Recognizing their historical significance, both architectural landmarks were jointly submitted to the UNESCO Tentative List under the Cultural category in December 2000.
01 Weather
81°
78°
☔ 43%
83°
77°
☔ 45%
81°
76°
☔ 41% 
81°
76°
☔ 91%
81°
76°
☔ 56%
81°
76°
☔ 52%