The country was once a protectorate of Germany until the fall of the Germans against the invading French and British military forces. The country came under UN Trusteeship Territories under the mandate of France until its full independence on 1960. Togolese people celebrate Independence Day with usual march parade and speeches from president about the current condition of the country and how it stands compared with countries across Africa and the rest of the world. As with all other holidays in Togo, Independence day is a work-free day.