Angola vs Ghana
Angola has a population of 36.2M, compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Angola is 1.1 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Angola ($101.0B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Angola covers 1,246,700 km², 5.2 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Ghana stands at 65.5 years, 0.9 years higher than Angola's 64.6 years.
AngolaGhana| Population | +7.2%36.2M | -6.7%33.7M |
| Area | +422.7%1,246,700 km² | -80.9%238,533 km² |
| GDP | +22.7%$101.0B | -18.5%$82.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +11.5%$2,665.874 | -10.3%$2,390.772 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.3%64.6 yrs | +1.4%65.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +35.8%38.3 | -26.4%28.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +373.6%14.1% | -78.9%3.0% |
| Capital | Luanda | Accra |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Portuguese | English |
| Currencies | AOA (Kz) | 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
Angola is 1.1 times more populous than Ghana, with 36.2M residents compared to 33.7M. Angola is a nation of 36.2M people, while Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people. In terms of population density, Angola averages 29 people per km² (sparse), 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 Angola.
Economy Comparison
Angola is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Angola economy ($101.0B) is 1.2 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Angola's GDP per capita of $2,665.874 is 21% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Angola are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Angola is 64.6 years, compared to 65.5 years in Ghana, a gap of 0.9 years. Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Angola (64.6 years) is 7.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 38.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Angola's infant mortality is 36% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
Angola (1,246,700 km²) is 5.2 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Angola shares borders with 4 countries, while Ghana borders 3 countries. Angola spans 1 timezone, compared to Ghana's 1 timezone. Both Angola and Ghana are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Angola and Ghana is in land area: Angola's 1,246,700 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Angola and Ghana is in infant mortality: Angola's 38.3 per 1,000 compared to Ghana's 28.2 per 1,000 represents a 26% gap. The most significant difference between Angola and Ghana is in GDP: Angola's $101.0B compared to Ghana's $82.3B represents a 19% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Angola's lower-middle-income economy and Ghana's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Angola has a GDP per capita of $2,665.874, which is 1.1x 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 Angola is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 4.9x more densely populated than Angola (141 vs 29 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Angola's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ghana live an average of 0.9 years longer than those of Angola (65.5 vs 64.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Ghana's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Angola's 4.4%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Angola vs Ghana for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 38.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Angola offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Ghana's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Angola 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 Angola. However, Angola may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Angola vs Ghana for Retirees
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Angola 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.
Angola vs Ghana Cost of Living
Angola's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Angola, 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 Angola's smaller cities.
Angola vs Ghana for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Angola and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Angola 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, Angola or Ghana by population?
Angola is larger by population, with 36.2M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Angola is 1.1 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Angola or Ghana?
Angola has the higher GDP at $101.0B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Angola's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Angola and Ghana?
Ghana has a higher life expectancy at 65.5 years, compared to Angola's 64.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.9 years. Angola's life expectancy is 7.4 years below 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, Angola or Ghana?
Angola is larger by land area, covering 1,246,700 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Angola is 5.2 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Angola and Ghana?
Angola recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Ghana recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Angola or Ghana?
Ghana has lower inflation at 22.8%, compared to Angola's 28.2%. Ghana's inflation is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Angola's rate is severely elevated at 28.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Angola or Ghana better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 38.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Angola offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Angola 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 Angola. However, Angola may offer better value in sp...
Is Angola or Ghana better for retirement?
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Angola 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 Angola or Ghana more expensive to live in?
Angola's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Angola, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Angola or Ghana better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Angola and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Angola spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...