In March 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan country to achieve independence from a colonial power. Soon after, Ghana fell victim to corruption and mismanagement, but has since recovered, and is considered to be a well-administered country by regional standards, as well as a model for political and economic reform in Africa. The country is rich in mineral resources, and has recently discovered major offshore oil reserves. The country's official language is English.

Leader: John Evans Atta Mills
Capital city: Accra

Economic profile

Monetary unit: Cedi
GDP per capita: $2 500 (2010) (CIA)
GDP composition by sector:
Agriculture: 33.7% (2010) (CIA)
Industry: 24.7% (2010) (CIA)
Services: 41.6% (2010) (CIA)
GDP growth rate: 5.7% (2011) (World Bank)
Budget:
Government revenue, excluding grants: $5.5128-billion (2010) (CIA)
Government expenditure: $7.052-billion (2010) (CIA)
Consumer price inflation: 16,5% (2008) (World Bank)
Industries: Mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, and small commercial ship-building
Exports of goods and services: $7.326-billion (2010) (CIA)
Imports of goods and services: $10.18-billion (2010) (CIA)
Export commodities: Gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore, and diamonds
Import commodities: Capital equipment, petroleum, and foodstuffs
Trade balance: $-1.871-billion (2010) (CIA)
Reserves: $3.8-billion (2010) (CIA)
Total investment: 39.8% of GDP (2010) (CIA)
Market capitalisation of listed companies: 13,4% (2006) (World Bank)

Social profile

Population: 23,83-million (2011) (World Bank)
Population growth: 2.1% (2011) (Worl Bank)
Life expectancy at birth: 56.8 years (2011) (World Bank)
Adult literacy: 67% (2009) (World Bank)
School enrolment primary: 105% (2009) (World Bank)
School enrolment secondary: 57% (2009) (World Bank)
School enrolment tertiary: 9% (2009) (World Bank)
Number of people living with HIV/Aids: 260 000 (2009) (Unicef)