Official name of country: Republic of Ghana
Population: 24 million
Capital City: Accra
Time Difference: Ghana is 0+GMT, so it is 4 hours ahead of the east coast and 7 hours ahead of the west coast.
National Anthem: God Bless Our Homeland Ghana
National Currency: Ghana Cedi (GHC)
National Food: Fufu
National Motto: “Freedom and Justice”
Languages: The official language of Ghana is English, but the over 100 different ethnic groups in the small country have created numerous local dialects. In northern Ghana, you will find languages from the Gur subfamily and in the south, the Kwa subfamily. About 75% of the country speaks languages from the Kwa group. While in Ghana, you will hopefully pick up a few phrases in Twi, which is one of the most common languages spoken outside of English.
Geography: Ghana is located in West Africa and is bordered by Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, and Togo. From the coast and to the east, you will find vast areas of low, grassy plains, while in the south and west there is miles of rainforest. The overall climate of Ghana is tropical with the south being hot and humid and the north being hot and dry. Depending on the time of year you choose to go, be prepared for the rainy seasons in Cape Coast which are from May-June and August-September.
Famous People: Ama Atta Aidoo (author and playwright), Reggie Rockstone (rapper), Kofi Annan (former UN Secretary-General), Abedi "Pele" Ayew (soccer champion), and Azumah Nelson (boxing champion).
Great Movies: Ghost Tears; Fatal Decision; Sin of the Soul; Life and Living It; A Sting in a Tale; The Perfect Picture.