GhanaIndonesia
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Indonesia's 284.4M. Indonesia is 8.4 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Indonesia ($1.40T) has a GDP 17.0 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Indonesia covers 1,904,569 km², 8.0 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Indonesia stands at 71.1 years, 5.6 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
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Ghana wins
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Indonesia wins
Metric
GhanaIndonesia| Population | 33.7M | 284.4M |
| Area | 238,533 km² | 1,904,569 km² |
| GDP | $82.3B | $1.40T |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,390.772 | $4,925.43 |
| Life Expectancy | 65.5 yrs | 71.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 28.2 | 17.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 3.2% |
| Capital | Accra | Jakarta |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Indonesian |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | IDR (Rp) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Indonesia is 8.4 times more populous than Ghana, with 284.4M residents compared to 33.7M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Indonesia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Indonesia averages 149 people per km² (moderate). While Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade, Indonesia has grown at 0.95% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Indonesia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Indonesia economy ($1.40T) is 17.0 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. Indonesia's GDP per capita of $4,925.43 is 56% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Indonesia are on average 2.1 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 71.1 years in Indonesia, a gap of 5.6 years. Indonesia (71.1 years) is 0.9 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 66% higher than Indonesia's 17.0.
Geographic Comparison
Indonesia (1,904,569 km²) is 8.0 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Indonesia borders 3 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Indonesia's 3 timezones. Ghana lies in Africa, while Indonesia is located in Asia. Ghana is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Indonesia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Indonesia is in GDP: Ghana's $82.3B compared to Indonesia's $1.40T represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Indonesia is in population: Ghana's 33.7M compared to Indonesia's 284.4M represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Indonesia is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to Indonesia's 1,904,569 km² represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Indonesia's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Indonesia has a GDP per capita of $4,925.43, which is 2.1x 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 Indonesia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Indonesia is 1.1x more densely populated than Ghana (149 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 Indonesia live an average of 5.6 years longer than those of Ghana (71.1 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 Indonesia's 5.0%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Indonesia for Families
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 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 Indonesia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ghana vs Indonesia 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 Indonesia. However, Indonesia 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 Indonesia for Retirees
Indonesia's life expectancy of 71.1 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 Indonesia Cost of Living
Indonesia's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Indonesia, 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 Indonesia's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Indonesia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Indonesia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Indonesia covers 3. 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 Indonesia by population?
Indonesia is larger by population, with 284.4M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Indonesia is 8.4 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Indonesia?
Indonesia has the higher GDP at $1.40T, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Indonesia's economy is 17.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Indonesia?
Indonesia has a higher life expectancy at 71.1 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.6 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Indonesia's is 0.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ghana or Indonesia?
Indonesia is larger by land area, covering 1,904,569 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Indonesia is 8.0 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Indonesia?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Indonesia recognizes: Indonesian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Indonesia?
Indonesia has lower inflation at 2.2%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Indonesia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ghana's rate is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ghana or Indonesia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 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 countr...
Is Ghana or Indonesia 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 Indonesia. However, Indonesia may offer better value...
Is Ghana or Indonesia better for retirement?
Indonesia's life expectancy of 71.1 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, clima...
Is Ghana or Indonesia more expensive to live in?
Indonesia's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Indonesia, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Ghana or Indonesia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Indonesia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Indonesia covers 3. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...
Population Growth
Ghana, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Indonesia, 1994 to 2023