Ghana vs Dominican Republic
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Ghana is 3.1 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Dominican Republic ($124.3B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Ghana covers 238,533 km², 4.9 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Dominican Republic stands at 73.7 years, 8.2 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
GhanaDominican Republic| Population | +213.3%33.7M | -68.1%10.8M |
| Area | +390.1%238,533 km² | -79.6%48,671 km² |
| GDP | -33.8%$82.3B | +51.0%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -78.0%$2,390.772 | +354.9%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | -11.2%65.5 yrs | +12.6%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -0.7%28.2 | +0.7%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -41.5%3.0% | +70.9%5.1% |
| Capital | Accra | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English | Spanish |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | DOP ($) |
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 3.1 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 33.7M residents compared to 10.8M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Dominican Republic.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Dominican Republic economy ($124.3B) is 1.5 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. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Dominican Republic are on average 4.5 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 8.2 years. Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 1% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
Ghana (238,533 km²) is 4.9 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Ghana lies in Africa, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Ghana is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Dominican Republic is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Dominican Republic is in GDP per capita: Ghana's $2,390.772 compared to Dominican Republic's $10,875.662 represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Dominican Republic is in population: Ghana's 33.7M compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M represents a 68% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 4.5x 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 Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 1.6x more densely populated than Ghana (221 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 Dominican Republic live an average of 8.2 years longer than those of Ghana (73.7 vs 65.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Ghana's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Dominican Republic's 5.0%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic for Retirees
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 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.
Ghana vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 4.5x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, 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 Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Ghana is 3.1 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has the higher GDP at $124.3B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Dominican Republic's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a higher life expectancy at 73.7 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.2 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ghana or Dominican Republic?
Ghana is larger by land area, covering 238,533 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Ghana is 4.9 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Dominican Republic?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Dominican Republic'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 Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bo...
Is Ghana or Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may ...
Is Ghana or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 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 acce...
Is Ghana or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 4.5x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living va...
Is Ghana or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretc...