Located on the western coast of Africa, Republic of Ghana is one the most promising nations in the continent largely known for its gold and salt mines. Also known as the Gold Coast, Republic of Ghana was the first African nation to gain independence from the British colonial rule. Ghana became independent in the year 1957.
The country is bordered on the west by Ivory Coast, on the north by Burkina Faso and Togo on the east. The country is located on the northern coastline of the Gulf of Guinea. Ghana is spread over an area of 92,100 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 23 million.
The name of the country was derived from an ancient kingdom that ruled the land during the 11th century. English is the official language in this country. However, there are more than 100 languages and dialects spoken in Ghana. Christianity and Islam are the two most prevalent religions in this land. The city of Accra is the commercial center and the capital of Ghana.
Agriculture and trade are the two most important occupations of the people in Ghana. Economy of the country is largely driven through export of gold, timber, cocoa, diamond, bauxite and manganese. Apart from these, Ghana contains one of the best oil reserves in the world.
Ghana is an excellent and economical destination for nature lovers, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. Climate in this part of the world is tropical. The Greenwich Meridian passes through the country. Dense tropical rain forests that are intersected by heavily forested hills, streams and rivers are present throughout the country. Mole National Park and the Kujani National Park in Ghana are famous for adventure sports offered to tourists that include trekking, camping and elephant rides. Ghana’s most distinguishing geographical feature is the Volta River, on which Akosombo Dam was built in 1964. Another interesting destination in Ghana is the Lake Volta, the largest artificial lake in the world.
Article Source: by Pauline Go
