Overview of Ghana

Profile

Ghana is located on the Guinea Gulf coast of West Africa, economically supported by underground resources including gold, diamonds, and petroleum, plus world-leading cocoa bean production. After independence, following political turbulence starting with Kwame Nkrumah, relatively stable parliamentary democracy has been realized since the 1990s. The capital Accra''s vibrant urban culture, Kumasi''s Ashanti traditional culture, World Heritage slave trade castle complexes, and safari experiences at Mole National Park offer diverse attractions.

Official name: Republic of Ghana
Common name: Ghana
Numeric code: 288
Alpha-3 code: GHA
Alpha-2 code: GH
Population: 34 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 129 people/km2
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Christianity, Islam, Traditional religions
National anthem: God Bless Our Homeland Ghana
Calling code: +233
Internet TLD: .gh

History

Gained independence from British Gold Coast in 1957, becoming the first independent Black African nation.

Ancient Ghana Empire and Ashanti Kingdom rose and fell; from the 15th century, European powers established gold and slave trade bases. Consolidated as British Gold Coast in the late 19th century, achieving independence in 1957 after post-World War II nationalist movements. After the coup era, the 1992 constitution established multi-party democracy with peaceful power transitions, making Ghana a West African model for democracy.

Geography & climate

South features low-lying coastlines and lagoons, central areas have forests and hills, and north spreads dry savanna. The great Volta River traverses the country center, with giant Lake Volta lying upstream of Akosombo Dam. Highest point is Mount Afadjato (885m).

Tropical monsoon climate / Tropical savanna climate

Area: Africa / 238535 km²
Capital: Accra
Largest city: Accra
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Volta, Lake Bosumtwi
Bordering countries: Côte d''Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo

Natural resources

Gold, crude oil, natural gas, diamonds, bauxite, manganese, limestone, silica sand, timber, hydroelectric energy, fishing resources, rich farmland

Politics

Government: Constitutional republic (Presidential system)

Economy

Currency: Ghanaian cedi (GHS)

GDP (nominal): 72.8 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 226.6 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: GMT

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Akan, Mole-Dagbani, Ewe, Ga-Adangme, Gurma, Guan, Mande

Life expectancy

64.1 years

Literacy rate

79%

National sports

Football, Boxing, Athletics, Basketball, Wrestling, Netball