[1] The regions are, from north to south, Savanes, Kara, Centrale, Plateaux and Maritime.

The Maritime Region, which contains the national capital Lomé, is the smallest by area but the largest by population, with over three-and-a-half million people.

[4] Regional governments were given more autonomy over local policies following national decentralisation reforms in 2021.

Responsibility is shared between the regional and national governments in regard to the construction and management of essential buildings and infrastructure, such as schools, nurseries, roads, and tolls; this is known as "shared abilities" (compétences partagées).

Powers previously delegated to the national government that were transferred to the regional governments are known as "transferred abilities" (compétences transférées); these include the creation and management of public libraries and the hosting of cultural events.