Ghana vs Sweden
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Ghana is 3.2 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 7.3 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 1.9 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 17.8 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
GhanaSweden| Population | +218.2%33.7M | -68.6%10.6M |
| Area | -47.0%238,533 km² | +88.8%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -86.4%$82.3B | +633.5%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -95.8%$2,390.772 | +2289.1%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -21.4%65.5 yrs | +27.2%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1310.0%28.2 | -92.9%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -65.7%3.0% | +191.8%8.7% |
| Capital | Accra | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | English | Swedish |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | SEK (kr) |
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 3.2 times more populous than Sweden, with 33.7M residents compared to 10.6M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 7.3 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. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 23.9 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 17.8 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 28.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ghana's infant mortality is 1310% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Ghana lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Ghana is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Ghana's $2,390.772 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Sweden is in infant mortality: Ghana's 28.2 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Sweden is in GDP: Ghana's $82.3B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 86% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 23.9x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 6.0x more densely populated than Sweden (141 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 17.8 years longer than those of Ghana (83.3 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 Sweden's 0.8%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ghana vs Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden 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 Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 23.9x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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 Sweden by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Ghana is 3.2 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Sweden's economy is 7.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.8 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ghana or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Sweden is 1.9 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Sweden?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Sweden'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 Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 ...
Is Ghana or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in sp...
Is Ghana or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 ...
Is Ghana or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 23.9x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Ghana or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...