Peru vs Ghana
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Peru is 1.0 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 3.5 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 5.4 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 12.2 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
PeruGhana| Population | +1.8%34.4M | -1.8%33.7M |
| Area | +438.8%1,285,216 km² | -81.4%238,533 km² |
| GDP | +251.4%$289.2B | -71.5%$82.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +253.5%$8,452.372 | -71.7%$2,390.772 |
| Life Expectancy | +18.7%77.7 yrs | -15.7%65.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -52.1%13.5 | +108.9%28.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +71.8%5.1% | -41.8%3.0% |
| Capital | Lima | Accra |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | English |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | 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
Peru is 1.0 times more populous than Ghana, with 34.4M residents compared to 33.7M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 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 Peru.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 3.5 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Peru are on average 3.5 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 65.5 years in Ghana, a gap of 12.2 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 109% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 5.4 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Ghana borders 3 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Ghana's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Ghana is located in Africa. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Ghana belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Ghana is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Ghana is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Ghana's $2,390.772 represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Ghana is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Ghana's $82.3B represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Ghana's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 3.5x 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 Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 5.3x more densely populated than Peru (141 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 12.2 years longer than those of Ghana (77.7 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 Peru's 3.3%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Ghana for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Ghana for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Peru vs Ghana Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, 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 Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Ghana for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru 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, Peru or Ghana by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Peru is 1.0 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Ghana?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Peru's economy is 3.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Ghana?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.2 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Peru or Ghana?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Peru is 5.4 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Ghana?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Ghana recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Ghana?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Peru'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 Peru or Ghana better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 h...
Is Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specif...
Is Peru or Ghana better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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 pr...
Is Peru or Ghana more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Peru or Ghana better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...