Ghana vs Mali
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Mali's 22.4M. Ghana is 1.5 times more populous than Mali. Economically, Ghana ($82.3B) has a GDP 3.1 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 5.2 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Ghana stands at 65.5 years, 5.1 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
GhanaMali| Population | +50.7%33.7M | -33.6%22.4M |
| Area | -80.8%238,533 km² | +419.9%1,240,192 km² |
| GDP | +207.2%$82.3B | -67.4%$26.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +118.4%$2,390.772 | -54.2%$1,094.619 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.4%65.5 yrs | -7.7%60.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -51.0%28.2 | +104.3%57.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +5.2%3.0% | -5.0%2.8% |
| Capital | Accra | Bamako |
| 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 1.5 times more populous than Mali, with 33.7M residents compared to 22.4M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Mali is a nation of 22.4M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Mali.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Mali is classified as a low-income economy. The Ghana economy ($82.3B) is 3.1 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ghana are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Mali.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 60.4 years in Mali, a gap of 5.1 years. Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 104% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 5.2 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Mali borders 7 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Mali's 1 timezone. Both Ghana and Mali 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 Mali is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Mali is in GDP: Ghana's $82.3B compared to Mali's $26.8B represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Mali is in GDP per capita: Ghana's $2,390.772 compared to Mali's $1,094.619 represents a 54% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Mali's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ghana has a GDP per capita of $2,390.772, which is 2.2x that of Mali ($1,094.619). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ghana is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 7.8x more densely populated than Mali (141 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ghana live an average of 5.1 years longer than those of Mali (65.5 vs 60.4 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 Mali's 5.0%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Mali for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali 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 Mali for Budget Travelers
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ghana. However, Ghana 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 Mali for Retirees
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali Cost of Living
Ghana's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mali can approach or exceed average costs in Ghana's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Mali for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali'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 Mali by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Ghana is 1.5 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Mali?
Ghana has the higher GDP at $82.3B, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Ghana's economy is 3.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Mali?
Ghana has a higher life expectancy at 65.5 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.1 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali's is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ghana or Mali?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Mali is 5.2 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Mali?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Mali recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Mali?
Mali has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Mali'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 Mali better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Ghana or Mali cheaper to visit?
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value in specif...
Is Ghana or Mali better for retirement?
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Ghana or Mali more expensive to live in?
Ghana's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Ghana or Mali better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both coun...