238,537 sq km (92,100 sq miles).

18,338,000 (1997).

76.9 per sq km.

Accra

1,000,000 (1995).

Ghana is situated in West Africa and is a rectangular-shaped country bounded to the north by Burkina Faso, the east by Togo, the south by the Atlantic Ocean and the west by Côte d'Ivoire. A narrow grassy plain stretches inland from the coast, widening in the east, while the south and west are covered by dense rainforest. To the north are forested hills beyond which is dry savannah and open woodland. In the far north is a plateau averaging 500m (1600ft) in height. In the east the Akuapim Togo hills run inland from the coast along the Togo border. The Black and White Volta rivers enter Ghana from Burkina Faso merging into the largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Volta. Ghana's coastline is dotted with sandy palm-fringed beaches and lagoons.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1957. Head of State: President Gerry Rawlings (assumed power in 1981, elected president in 1992).

The official language is English. Local Ghanaian languages are widely spoken, including Twi, Fante, Ga and Ewe.

Christian, Muslim and traditional beliefs. All forms of religion have a strong influence on Ghanaian life.

GMT.

220 volts AC, 50Hz; usually 3-pin plugs. Single phase, 3-pin plugs are used in larger buildings. Older buildings have 2-pin plugs. Light bulbs are of the bayonet type.