Ghana - Country facts
Map
Flag
Capital
Currency
Internet Code
Location
Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo
Background
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. A long series of coups resulted in the suspension of the constitution in 1981 and a ban on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multiparty politics, was approved in 1992. Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS, head of state since 1981, won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR, who defeated former Vice President Atta MILLS in a free and fair election, succeeded him.
Climate
tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north
Terrain
mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area
Population
21,029,853
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to A
Ethnic Groups
black African 98.5% (major tribes - Akan 44%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga 8%, Gurma 3%, Yoruba 1%), European and other 1.5% (1998)
Religions
Christian 63%, Muslim 16%, indigenous beliefs 21%
Languages
English (official), African languages (including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga)
Map of Ghana
| back | top |