West Africa.

GMT.

238,537 sq km (92,100 sq miles).

21.8 million (UN estimate 2005).

91.39 per sq km.

Accra. Population: 2.2 million (World Bank estimate 2002).

Ghana is situated in West Africa and is a rectangular-shaped country bordered to the north by Burkina Faso, the east by Togo, the south by the Atlantic Ocean and the west by Côte d’Ivoire. A narrow grassy plain stretches inland from the coast, widening in the east, while the south and west are covered by dense rainforest. To the north are forested hills, beyond which is dry savannah and open woodland. In the far north is a plateau averaging 500m (1,600ft) in height. In the east the Akuapim Togo hills run inland from the coast along the Togo border. The Black and White Volta rivers enter Ghana from Burkina Faso, merging into the largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Volta. Ghana’s coastline is dotted with sandy palm-fringed beaches and lagoons.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1957.

President John Atta Mills since 2008.

President John Atta Mills was elected in December 2008, his third attempt at winning the presidency.

Mr Kufour won a closely-fought election in 2000 against John Atta Mills, former deputy of long-time leader Jerry John Rawlings, and was re-elected in 2004. Kufour set up a 'reconciliation commission' to investigate human rights abuses during military rule. The Kufour government also had to deal with inter-communal violence and land disputes in the north of the country. The greatest controversy, however, has concerned its decision to sell the country's largest and most important company, Ashanti Goldfields. Since coming to power, economic growth has been Kufour's priority. The country has seen drops in inflation and borrowing costs.

The official language is English. Local Ghanaian languages are widely spoken, including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe and Ga.

Christian, Muslim and traditional beliefs. All forms of religion have a strong influence on Ghanaian life.

220 volts AC, 50Hz; usually three-pin plugs. Single phase three-pin plugs are used in larger buildings.

Ghanaians should always be addressed by their formal titles unless they specifically request otherwise. Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. It is customary in much of West Africa not to use the left hand for touching food.

Photography: Permission should be sought before photographing military installations, government buildings or airports.