Ghana

The population of Ghana is approximately 36M (2024).

The capital of Ghana is Accra.

Ghana's GDP per capita is $2.7K (2024).

Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.7 years (2024).

Ghana covers 238,533 km² (92,098 sq mi).

Ghana has a moderate population density of 150 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Ghana's population is growing rapidly at 1.9% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Ghana falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $2.7K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Ghana reports a low intentional homicide rate of 1.8 per 100,000 people, below the global average.

The official language of Ghana is English.

Ghana uses the Ghanaian cedi (₵) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Ghana are July, August, based on climate data for the capital.

Latest estimates show a population of approximately 35.7 million people. This makes it the 47th most populous nation globally and the 2nd largest in Western Africa. The country has seen steady demographic growth over recent decades due to a crude birth rate of 25.92 per 1,000 people.

The adult literacy rate in Ghana is approximately 76.5%. Recent data indicates this ranks 127th globally. The government continues to invest in education to improve outcomes across both urban and rural regions, focusing on increasing access to secondary and tertiary schooling for all citizens.

Current estimates show a GDP per capita of 2,666 USD. In terms of nominal GDP, the nation ranks 81st globally and 10th in Africa. This economic standing is supported by significant exports of gold, timber, and crude petroleum, which drive the national economy.

Approximately 72.2% of the population are internet users. This level of connectivity ranks 130th globally. The expansion of mobile broadband across Western Africa has significantly increased digital access, facilitating growth in fintech and e-commerce sectors throughout the country in recent years.

Life expectancy at birth is currently estimated at 65.7 years. This places the country 187th in global rankings. Improvements in maternal healthcare and the management of infectious diseases have contributed to steady gains in longevity over the last several decades as the healthcare system modernizes.

The unemployment rate is currently 2.979%. In terms of the lowest unemployment rates, the nation ranks 147th globally. Employment is heavily concentrated in the agricultural sector, though the service and industrial sectors in urban areas are expanding rapidly as the nation's economy diversifies.

Ghana currently ranks 47th in the world for population out of 215 countries. Regionally, it is the 14th most populous nation in Africa and the 2nd most populous in Western Africa. Its size and demographic weight make it a central player in the Economic Community of West African States.

Recent estimates place Ghana's population density at 157 people per km² (407 people per sq mi). This ranks Ghana 76th globally and 12th within Africa. Most of this population is concentrated in the southern and central parts of the country, particularly near the coast and the capital city, Accra.

The population of Ghana is growing at an annual rate of 1.88%. Recent data indicates there are approximately 2,445 births and 661 deaths per day. While the growth rate has slowed from historical highs of over 3% in previous decades, the total population continues to rise steadily each year.

The latest official fertility rate in Ghana is 3.34 births per woman. This places Ghana 46th globally for the highest fertility rates. Although this rate is a decrease from historical levels, it remains significantly above the global replacement level, contributing to the country's ongoing population expansion.

Approximately 58.4% of Ghana's population lives in urban areas, according to the latest official figures. This urbanization rank places Ghana 134th globally. The migration from rural northern regions to southern urban centers like Accra and Kumasi has consistently increased the urban share of the population over the last few decades.