The Republic of Ghana is a country in West Africa, a well known producer of cocoa; the second largest producer in the world. It borders Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The word Ghana means ‘Warrior King’, and was teh source of the name ‘Guinea’ (via French Guinoye), which has been used to refer to the West African Coast (reflected in the Gulf of Guinea). Ghana was inhabited in pre-colonial times by a number of ancient predominantly Akan Kingdoms, including the Akwamu on the eastern coast, the inland Ashanti Empire and various Fante and, also non Akan states like the Ga and Ewe along the coast and inland. Trade with European states flourished after contact with the Portugese in the 15th century, and the Bristish established a crown colony, Gold Coast, in 1874. The Gold Coast achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1957, becoming the first Sub-Saharan African Nation to do so, and the name Ghana was chosen for the new nation to reflect the ancient Empire of Ghana, which once extended throughout much of Western Africa. Ghana is a member of many international organizations including teh Commonwelath of Nations, the Economic Community of West african States, the African Union and the United Nations.

Facts

Full name: Republic of Ghana

Population: 23.9 million (UN, 2008)

Capital: Accra

Area: 238,533 sq km (92,098 sq miles)

Major languages: English, African languages including Akan, Ewe

Major religions: hristianity, indigenous beliefs, Islam

Life Expectancy: 60 years (men), 60 years (women)  (UN)

Monetary Unit: Cedi

Main exports: Gold, cocoa, timber, bauxite, aluminium, manganese ore, diamonds

GNI per capita: US $590 (World Bank, 2007)

Internet domain: gh

International dialling code: +233