Ghana: flag, capital, currency and history
Ghana, officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country in Western Africa, Africa. Its capital is Accra. The currency is the Ghanaian cedi. Languages spoken include English.
Quick facts about Ghana
- Official name
- Republic of Ghana
- Capital
- Accra
- Region
- Africa, Western Africa
- Currency
- Ghanaian cedi (GHS, ₵)
- Languages
- English
- Calling code
- +233
- Internet domain
- .gh
- Area
- 238,533 km² (92,098 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Togo
- Demonym
- Ghanaian
- National day
- Independence Day, March 6
Flag of Ghana
Download the flag of Ghana as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇬🇭.
History of Ghana
The area of modern Ghana was home to Akan-speaking peoples and several early states. Portuguese traders reached the coast in the late 15th century and built Elmina Castle in 1482, and other European powers later established coastal forts. The Asante Empire became a major inland power from the late 17th century. Britain gradually extended control over the Gold Coast during the 19th century. Led by Kwame Nkrumah, the Gold Coast became independent in 1957 as Ghana, the first sub-Saharan African colony to do so. It became a republic in 1960 and has Accra as its capital.
Key dates
- 1482Portuguese traders build Elmina Castle on the Gold Coast.
- c. 1700The Asante Empire emerges as a major power in the interior.
- 1874Britain formally declares the Gold Coast a crown colony.
- 1957Ghana becomes independent from the United Kingdom on 6 March.
- 1960Ghana becomes a republic.
- 1966A military coup removes Kwame Nkrumah from power.
- 1992A new constitution restores multiparty democracy.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Ghana
Ghana uses the Ghanaian cedi (GHS, ₵). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Ghana
Celebrations observed in Ghana, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Ghana?
The capital of Ghana is Accra.
What currency does Ghana use?
Ghana uses the Ghanaian cedi (GHS, symbol ₵).
What languages are spoken in Ghana?
Languages used in Ghana include English.
What is the calling code of Ghana?
The international calling code of Ghana is +233. Its internet domain is .gh.
Which countries border Ghana?
Ghana shares land borders with Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Togo.
On which continent is Ghana?
Ghana is in Africa, in the region of Western Africa.
What is the national day of Ghana?
Ghana marks Independence Day on March 6.
Neighbours of Ghana
More countries in Western Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).