Background - Basic Facts: Economy, Population & Language
Size:
Ghana is about the size of Oregon, or slightly smaller than the U.K. It is divided into ten different regions, each which has its own characteristics economically, culturally and politically.
Population:
The population of Ghana is about 23 million currently, and is growing quickly.
Language:
Despite its small physical size, Ghana has over 60 language spoken within its boarders. English does serve as the official language, and in the urban areas most people do speak a certain level of English. In the villages, the younger generations speak English, as it is compulsory in school, but it is not atypical for the older generations to solely speak their native or tribal language. Some of the major languages are Twi, Akan, Ga and Ewe (which was spoken where I was this summer).
Religion:
Religion is another characteristic that is very clearly divided in the country. The southern part of the country is overwhelmingly Christian. In Ho, the regional capital nearest to our village, almost every business or shop that was not a bank was religiously named (i.e. "God & Sons Shopping," "Thank U Jesus Hair Salon" or "The Lord is Great Barber").
In contrast, the North is predominately Muslim, with many public signs written in both English and Arabic. Many old and historic "mud and stick" mosques are spread throughout the North and serve as tourist attractions.
Economy:
Ghana's economy is relatively strong, supported by many natural resources, poverty reduction initiatives, agricultural development and newly discovered oil off of the coast. Major natural resources include gold, industrial diamonds, fish, hydropower, petroleum and timber; the main crops grown are cocoa (second in the world only to the Ivory Coast), cassava (a root used for many traditional dishes), rice, peanuts, corn and bananas.
National Occupation Breakdown:
Agriculture: 56%
Services: 29%
Industry: 15%
With the village I lived in, Adaklu-Helekpe, 97% of the population are subsistence farmers as their occupation, and the small percent that have other jobs still farm for their food.
Government:
Ghana is a constitutional democracy, and has been since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1957. The two main political groups (of many) are the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the next Presidential elections are set to take place on December 7, 2012.
Ghana is about the size of Oregon, or slightly smaller than the U.K. It is divided into ten different regions, each which has its own characteristics economically, culturally and politically.
Population:
The population of Ghana is about 23 million currently, and is growing quickly.
Language:
Despite its small physical size, Ghana has over 60 language spoken within its boarders. English does serve as the official language, and in the urban areas most people do speak a certain level of English. In the villages, the younger generations speak English, as it is compulsory in school, but it is not atypical for the older generations to solely speak their native or tribal language. Some of the major languages are Twi, Akan, Ga and Ewe (which was spoken where I was this summer).
Religion:
Religion is another characteristic that is very clearly divided in the country. The southern part of the country is overwhelmingly Christian. In Ho, the regional capital nearest to our village, almost every business or shop that was not a bank was religiously named (i.e. "God & Sons Shopping," "Thank U Jesus Hair Salon" or "The Lord is Great Barber").
In contrast, the North is predominately Muslim, with many public signs written in both English and Arabic. Many old and historic "mud and stick" mosques are spread throughout the North and serve as tourist attractions.
Economy:
Ghana's economy is relatively strong, supported by many natural resources, poverty reduction initiatives, agricultural development and newly discovered oil off of the coast. Major natural resources include gold, industrial diamonds, fish, hydropower, petroleum and timber; the main crops grown are cocoa (second in the world only to the Ivory Coast), cassava (a root used for many traditional dishes), rice, peanuts, corn and bananas.
National Occupation Breakdown:
Agriculture: 56%
Services: 29%
Industry: 15%
With the village I lived in, Adaklu-Helekpe, 97% of the population are subsistence farmers as their occupation, and the small percent that have other jobs still farm for their food.
Government:
Ghana is a constitutional democracy, and has been since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1957. The two main political groups (of many) are the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the next Presidential elections are set to take place on December 7, 2012.