DEAR READERS, AKWAABA !!! (WELCOME !!!)
Here are short direct information you should know about Ghana:
You can go to Ghana wikipedia information , “Routard” french travel guide , Lonely planet Guide to know more.
The Republic of Ghana, located in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean, is a sovereign unitary presidential democracy. It has a population of approximately 27 million, with different ethnic people, languages and religions.
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DEMOGRAPHY
98% of ghanaian are Black Africans. In 2010, most of the 24.2 million inhabitants were predominantly citizens of the Ashanti territories.
The Government of Ghana states that the official language of Ghana is English, and is spoken by 67.1%. However, there are 11 other ethnic languages (Twi, Fente, Gâ, Mossi…).
In 2010, 71% were Christian (29% are Pentecostal, 18% Protestant and 13%Catholic). In 2013, 18% were Muslims. Traditional (indigenous) beliefs are also practiced.
Life expectancy is 65 years old. Ghana has a universal health care system strictly designated for Ghanaian nationals, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)Ghana’s universal health care system has been described as the most successful healthcare system on the Africa continent by the renowned business magnate and tycoon Bill Gates. As of 2012, the HIV/AIDS prevalence was estimated at 1.40% among adults aged 15–49.
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GEOGRAPHY
Its geography, since Ghana is located in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic ranges from coastal savannahs to tropical jungles.
Grasslands mixed with south coastal shrublands and forests dominate. But Ghana has also plains, waterfalls, low hills, rivers, Lake Volta (the world’s largest artificial lake).
=> You will see trough my “week end pleasures” category (in the expatriation part) some articles with photos of all theses landscapes!
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CLIMATE
The climate of Ghana is tropical and there are two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Go and see more photos in the “Kiss the seasons Goodbye” part of my blog.
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ECONOMY
Ghana’s economy prosperity is the 9th-largest power on the Africa continent. It has an economic plan target known as the “Ghana Vision 2020″to become a developed country between 2020 and 2029.
It produces petroleum and natural gas and export them, (it has the 5th largest oil reserves and 6th largest natural gas reserves).
It is the 7th and 9th world’s largest gold and diamond producer, and tends to become the biggest cocoa producer in the world. It also produces coffee, bananas, pineapple, coconuts, yam, cashews and rice.
The Akosombo Dam, built on the Volta River (and others) provide hydropower.
The real estate and housing market of Ghana has become an important and strategic economic sector, particularly in Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Tema. The gross rental income tax of Ghana is withheld at 10%.
Ghana ‘s good economy has given birth to a boom in the construction sector generating billions of dollars/year and a robust political stability.
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TRADE AND EXPORTS
Tema harbour is Africa’s largest manmade harbour and with Takoradi harbour they handle goods and exports for Ghana. It is where goods are transhipped by cargo. They export mostly cocoa, manganese, diamant, gold, wood, aluminium.
- EDUCATION
With over 95% of its children in school, Ghana currently has one of the highest school enrolment rates in all of Africa.
- CULTURE
I speak about culture in several categories (food, typical things, places to visit…) in my Ghana part.
