Philippines vs Ghana
Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Philippines is 3.4 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Philippines ($461.6B) has a GDP 5.6 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Philippines covers 342,353 km², 1.4 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Philippines stands at 69.8 years, 4.3 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
PhilippinesGhana| Population | +238.2%114.1M | -70.4%33.7M |
| Area | +43.5%342,353 km² | -30.3%238,533 km² |
| GDP | +460.8%$461.6B | -82.2%$82.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +66.7%$3,984.832 | -40.0%$2,390.772 |
| Life Expectancy | +6.6%69.8 yrs | -6.2%65.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -21.6%22.1 | +27.6%28.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -25.0%2.2% | +33.3%3.0% |
| Capital | Manila | Accra |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Filipino | English |
| Currencies | PHP (₱) | GHS (₵) |
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
Philippines is 3.4 times more populous than Ghana, with 114.1M residents compared to 33.7M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), while Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Philippines.
Economy Comparison
Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Philippines economy ($461.6B) is 5.6 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Philippines are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 65.5 years in Ghana, a gap of 4.3 years. Philippines (69.8 years) is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 28.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ghana's infant mortality is 28% higher than Philippines's 22.1.
Geographic Comparison
Philippines (342,353 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Ghana borders 3 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Ghana's 1 timezone. Philippines lies in Asia, while Ghana is located in Africa. Philippines is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Ghana belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Philippines and Ghana is in GDP: Philippines's $461.6B compared to Ghana's $82.3B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Ghana is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Ghana's 33.7M represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Ghana is in GDP per capita: Philippines's $3,984.832 compared to Ghana's $2,390.772 represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines's lower-middle-income economy and Ghana's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Philippines has a GDP per capita of $3,984.832, which is 1.7x 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 Philippines is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Philippines is 2.4x more densely populated than Ghana (333 vs 141 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ghana's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Philippines live an average of 4.3 years longer than those of Ghana (69.8 vs 65.5 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
Philippines's economy grew at 5.7% compared to Ghana's 5.6%. Philippines's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Philippines vs Ghana for Families
For family travel, Philippines generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (22.1 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Philippines's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Philippines vs Ghana 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 Philippines. However, Philippines may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Philippines vs Ghana for Retirees
Philippines's life expectancy of 69.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana 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.
Philippines vs Ghana Cost of Living
Philippines's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, 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 Philippines's smaller cities.
Philippines vs Ghana for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Ghana 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, Philippines or Ghana by population?
Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Philippines is 3.4 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Ghana?
Philippines has the higher GDP at $461.6B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Philippines's economy is 5.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Ghana?
Philippines has a higher life expectancy at 69.8 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.3 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ghana's is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Philippines or Ghana?
Philippines is larger by land area, covering 342,353 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Philippines is 1.4 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Philippines and Ghana?
Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Ghana recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Ghana?
Philippines has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Philippines'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 Philippines or Ghana better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Philippines generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (22.1 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is Philippines or Ghana 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 Philippines. However, Philippines may offer better v...
Is Philippines or Ghana better for retirement?
Philippines's life expectancy of 69.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana 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 Philippines or Ghana more expensive to live in?
Philippines's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Philippines or Ghana better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...