Ghana: Location and Capital

Ghana is a West African nation on the Gulf of Guinea.

Geographic Location

• Coordinates: 4°–11°N, 1°–3°W
• Borders: Côte d'Ivoire (west), Burkina Faso (north), Togo (east), Gulf of Guinea (south)
• Area: 238,535 km² (92,099 sq mi) — similar to UK or Oregon
• Climate: Tropical; coastal savanna, forest belt, northern savanna
• Major rivers: Volta (Lake Volta — world's largest artificial lake), Pra, Ankobra, Tano

Capital: Accra

• Location: 5°33'N, 0°12'W — coastal, Gulf of Guinea
• Population: ~2.6M (metro ~5.5M)
• Role: Administrative, economic, transport hub (Kotoka Intl. Airport)
• Key areas: Osu (nightlife), Makola Market, Independence Square, Jamestown (historic), Cantonments (diplomatic)

Significance

First sub-Saharan African colony to gain independence (1957). Stable democracy, growing economy (gold, cocoa, oil), regional leader (ECOWAS, AU).