Ghana
Republic of Ghana
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.88%
With a population of roughly 33.7 million, Ghana ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 238,533 km², translating to a density of 141 people per km². Its capital is Accra, and English is the official language, while the Ghanaian cedi serves as the national currency.
Population
33,742,380
Area
238,533 km²
Density
141/km²
World Rank
#46
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 26.3 per thousand against deaths at 7 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. A youthful age structure is evident: 35.8% of the population is under 15, while only 3.7% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Accra
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- Ghanaian cedi (₵)
- Calling Code
- +233
- Top-Level Domain
- .gh
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 33,742,380
- Land Area
- 238,533 km²
- Population Density
- 141 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.88%
- Annual Growth
- +634,357 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,738 people
- World Population Share
- 0.42%
- Coordinates
- 8.00°, -2.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $2.4k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 3%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 43.5 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
65.5 years
GDP per Capita
$2,391
Birth Rate
26.3 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
58.4%
Fertility Rate
3.40 births/woman
Infant Mortality
28.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.0%
Literacy Rate
76.5%
Internet Users
69.9%
Under 15
35.8%
Over 65
3.7%
Health Spending
3.0% GDP
Gini Index
43.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
12.1M
15-64 years
20.4M
65+ years
1.3M
Urbanization
About 58.4% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Accra, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 17079.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
19.7M
58.4%
14.0M
41.6%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 65.5 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 28.2 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 76.5% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Ghana
Ghana has 17 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Ghana is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Ghana participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 33,742,380 |
| 2030 | 36,240,194 |
| 2035 | 39,375,653 |
| 2040 | 42,523,427 |
| 2045 | 45,683,768 |
| 2050 | 48,859,281 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Ghana.
Largest Cities in Ghana
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Ghana by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ghana?
The population of Ghana is approximately 33.7 million as of 2026, making it #46 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Ghana?
The capital of Ghana is Accra.
What languages are spoken in Ghana?
The main languages spoken in Ghana are English.
How big is Ghana?
Ghana covers an area of 238,533 km² with a population density of 141 people per km².
Is Ghana growing or shrinking?
Ghana is growing at a rate of 1.88% per year, adding approximately 634,357 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Ghana?
The average life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Ghana?
The GDP per capita of Ghana is $2,391.