Malaysia vs Ghana
Malaysia has a population of 34.2M, compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Malaysia is 1.0 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Malaysia ($422.2B) has a GDP 5.1 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Malaysia covers 330,803 km², 1.4 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 11.2 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
MalaysiaGhana| Population | +1.5%34.2M | -1.4%33.7M |
| Area | +38.7%330,803 km² | -27.9%238,533 km² |
| GDP | +413.0%$422.2B | -80.5%$82.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +396.7%$11,874.427 | -79.9%$2,390.772 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.0%76.7 yrs | -14.6%65.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -75.9%6.8 | +314.7%28.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +26.4%3.8% | -20.9%3.0% |
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur | Accra |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Malay | English |
| Currencies | MYR (RM) | GHS (₵) |
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
Malaysia is 1.0 times more populous than Ghana, with 34.2M residents compared to 33.7M. Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people, while Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people. In terms of population density, Malaysia averages 103 people per km² (moderate), while Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Malaysia.
Economy Comparison
Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Malaysia economy ($422.2B) is 5.1 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Malaysia are on average 5.0 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malaysia is 76.7 years, compared to 65.5 years in Ghana, a gap of 11.2 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 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 315% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
Malaysia (330,803 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Malaysia shares borders with 3 countries, while Ghana borders 3 countries. Malaysia spans 1 timezone, compared to Ghana's 1 timezone. Malaysia lies in Asia, while Ghana is located in Africa. Malaysia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Ghana belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malaysia and Ghana is in GDP: Malaysia's $422.2B compared to Ghana's $82.3B represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Ghana is in GDP per capita: Malaysia's $11,874.427 compared to Ghana's $2,390.772 represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Ghana is in infant mortality: Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 compared to Ghana's 28.2 per 1,000 represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy and Ghana's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Malaysia has a GDP per capita of $11,874.427, which is 5.0x 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 Malaysia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 1.4x more densely populated than Malaysia (141 vs 103 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Malaysia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Malaysia live an average of 11.2 years longer than those of Ghana (76.7 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 Malaysia's 5.1%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Malaysia vs Ghana for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malaysia vs Ghana 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Malaysia vs Ghana for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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.
Malaysia vs Ghana Cost of Living
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 5.0x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, 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 Malaysia's smaller cities.
Malaysia vs Ghana for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Ghana 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, Malaysia or Ghana by population?
Malaysia is larger by population, with 34.2M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Malaysia is 1.0 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malaysia or Ghana?
Malaysia has the higher GDP at $422.2B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Malaysia's economy is 5.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malaysia and Ghana?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.2 years. Malaysia's life expectancy is 4.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ghana's is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Malaysia or Ghana?
Malaysia is larger by land area, covering 330,803 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Malaysia is 1.4 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Malaysia and Ghana?
Malaysia recognizes the following languages: English, Malay. Ghana recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malaysia or Ghana?
Malaysia has lower inflation at 1.8%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Malaysia'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 Malaysia or Ghana better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 countrie...
Is Malaysia or Ghana 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better value i...
Is Malaysia or Ghana better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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, climat...
Is Malaysia or Ghana more expensive to live in?
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 5.0x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Malaysia or Ghana better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...