Ghana vs Cameroon
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Ghana is 1.1 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Ghana ($82.3B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 2.0 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Ghana stands at 65.5 years, 1.8 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
GhanaCameroon| Population | +14.6%33.7M | -12.7%29.4M |
| Area | -49.8%238,533 km² | +99.3%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +54.4%$82.3B | -35.2%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +30.6%$2,390.772 | -23.5%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.8%65.5 yrs | -2.7%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -31.6%28.2 | +46.1%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -17.3%3.0% | +20.9%3.6% |
| Capital | Accra | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | English, French |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | XAF (Fr) |
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 1.1 times more populous than Cameroon, with 33.7M residents compared to 29.4M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). While Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade, Cameroon has grown at 2.86% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ghana economy ($82.3B) is 1.5 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ghana are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 1.8 years. Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 46% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both Ghana and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Cameroon is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Cameroon is in GDP: Ghana's $82.3B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 35% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Cameroon is in infant mortality: Ghana's 28.2 per 1,000 compared to Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 represents a 32% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ghana has a GDP per capita of $2,390.772, which is 1.3x that of Cameroon ($1,830.008). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ghana is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 2.3x more densely populated than Cameroon (141 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cameroon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ghana live an average of 1.8 years longer than those of Cameroon (65.5 vs 63.7 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 Cameroon's 3.5%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon 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.
Ghana vs Cameroon for Budget Travelers
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ghana. However, Ghana 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 Cameroon for Retirees
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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 Cameroon Cost of Living
Ghana's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cameroon can approach or exceed average costs in Ghana's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon'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 Cameroon by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Ghana is 1.1 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Cameroon?
Ghana has the higher GDP at $82.3B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Ghana's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Cameroon?
Ghana has a higher life expectancy at 65.5 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.8 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ghana or Cameroon?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Cameroon is 2.0 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Cameroon?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Cameroon?
Cameroon has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Cameroon's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Ghana's rate is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ghana or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Ghana or Cameroon cheaper to visit?
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value i...
Is Ghana or Cameroon better for retirement?
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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 Ghana or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Ghana's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Ghana or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...