Ghana vs Ivory Coast
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Ghana is 1.1 times more populous than Ivory Coast. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 1.4 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Ghana stands at 65.5 years, 3.6 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
GhanaIvory Coast| Population | +6.4%33.7M | -6.0%31.7M |
| Area | -26.0%238,533 km² | +35.2%322,463 km² |
| GDP | -5.5%$82.3B | +5.8%$87.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -12.4%$2,390.772 | +14.1%$2,727.894 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.7%65.5 yrs | -5.4%61.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -39.5%28.2 | +65.2%46.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +28.2%3.0% | -22.0%2.3% |
| Capital | Accra | Yamoussoukro |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | French |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | XOF (Fr) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Ghana is 1.1 times more populous than Ivory Coast, with 33.7M residents compared to 31.7M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate). While Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade, Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 1.1 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ivory Coast are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 61.9 years in Ivory Coast, a gap of 3.6 years. Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 65% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Ivory Coast borders 5 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Ivory Coast's 1 timezone. Both Ghana and Ivory Coast are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Ivory Coast is in infant mortality: Ghana's 28.2 per 1,000 compared to Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 represents a 39% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Ivory Coast is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² represents a 26% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Ivory Coast is in GDP per capita: Ghana's $2,390.772 compared to Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 represents a 12% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ivory Coast has a GDP per capita of $2,727.894, which is 1.1x that of Ghana ($2,390.772). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ivory Coast is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 1.4x more densely populated than Ivory Coast (141 vs 98 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ivory Coast's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ghana live an average of 3.6 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (65.5 vs 61.9 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Ghana's 5.6%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Ivory Coast for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Ghana's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ghana vs Ivory Coast for Budget Travelers
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ghana vs Ivory Coast for Retirees
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Ghana vs Ivory Coast Cost of Living
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ghana can approach or exceed average costs in Ivory Coast's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Ivory Coast for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Ghana or Ivory Coast by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Ghana is 1.1 times more populous than Ivory Coast.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Ivory Coast's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Ivory Coast?
Ghana has a higher life expectancy at 65.5 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.6 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast's is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ghana or Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Ivory Coast is 1.4 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Ivory Coast?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Ivory Coast recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Ivory Coast's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Ghana's rate is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ghana or Ivory Coast better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Ghana or Ivory Coast cheaper to visit?
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better v...
Is Ghana or Ivory Coast better for retirement?
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Ghana or Ivory Coast more expensive to live in?
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Ghana or Ivory Coast better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...