MARITIME

economic rgion, southern Togo, West Africa, bordering the Plateaux rgion on the north, Benin on the east, the Gulf of Guinea on the south, and Ghana on the west. The region's relief consists of coastal sandbars with inland lagoons backed by low-lying plains. Maritime's area of 2,470 sq mi (6,395 sq km) encompasses the prfectures of Golfe, Lacs, Yoto, Vo, and Zio. The rgion has a warm climate, with two rainy seasons annually. A fertile area near the coast supports the growth of oil palms, sugarcane, and rice; cassava and corn (maize) are grown throughout. Maritime's industry is the most fully developed among the country's five rgions; important manufactures include palm oil, beer, processed meat and sugar, and steel. The administrative centre is Lom, Togo's capital and largest city. Railways and the major northsouth road from Lom link Maritime with the country's central and northern rgions. The Ewe, Ouatchi, and Ane (Mina) peoples compose Maritime's population, which is the largest among Togo's rgions. Pop. (1980 est.) 944,000.