Dialing code +233
ISO 2 code GH
ISO 3 code GHA
Capital Accra
Main Language English
Currency Cedi (GHS)
GDP $34.0 billion 98th
Population 24,339,838 47th

Geography

Continent Africa
Location Western Africa bordering the Gulf of Guinea between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo
Land 239,460 km2 80th
Terrain Mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area
Climate Tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north
Natural Hazards Mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area
Note: Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake

Neighbouring Countries

Burkina Faso Ivory Coast Togo

History

Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory Ghana in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. Ghana endured a long series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992 RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS took over as head of state in early 2009.
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Demographics

Life Expectancy 59.85 years 167th
Median Age 20.7 years 156th
Birth Rate 28.58 births/1,000 population 47th
Death Rate 9.24 births/1,000 population 76th
Sex Ratio 0.85 male(s)/female 63rd
Literacy 57.9% 179th
Population

24.3 million

Transportation

Roadways 62221 km 71st
Railways 947 km 90th
Airports 11 149th
Waterways 1293 km 56th
Heliports None
Airports paved 1 126th

Economy

Currency Cedi (GHS)
GDP $34.0 billion 98th
GDP per capita (PPP) $1500 175th