To put it bluntly, to the natives around Togoland, arriving in Togoland was like a farmer entering a city for the first time, or a city dweller stepping into the countryside for the first time—everything felt fresh and novel.
Although Togoland was also a colony, its planning at least had some semblance of the mainland. Compared with the colonies in neighboring countries, it was "highly developed."
Though Togoland's population was only a little over three hundred thousand—not particularly large, with vast land and sparse people—neighboring Upper Volta, Dahomey, and Ghana did not have populations much greater than Togoland's. Dahomey, for instance, had a total population of around one million, only three times that of Togoland.
Yet Togoland's per capita productivity was several times that of Dahomey. The proportion of taxes it handed over to the mainland was lower than in surrounding regions, and it could also receive subsidies and support from the mainland.
In other words, East Africa was doing long-term business in Togoland. Like investing in heavy industry, the cycle was long and profits low, but it benefited Togoland's development.
Togoland's economic condition was healthier than that of its neighbors.
As Rubirola traveled with the caravan, he had indeed seen some of the differences between Togoland and Dahomey. The roads and public security in northern Togoland were truly better than those in Dahomey.
Looking at the flatter ground, he said, "Togoland's construction is indeed somewhat better than Dahomey's, but only to a limited extent. At most, they have done slightly better in the details."
Sakuma shook his head at Rubirola's judgment. "Your Excellency is thinking too simply. The reason you believe Togoland is only slightly better than Dahomey is entirely because you have not visited enough places."
He raised a hand and pointed south. "The truly prosperous and developed