GhanaIsrael
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Ghana is 3.3 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 6.6 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Ghana covers 238,533 km², 10.9 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 17.7 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
3
Ghana wins
vs
4
Israel wins
Metric
GhanaIsrael| Population | 33.7M | 10.1M |
| Area | 238,533 km² | 21,937 km² |
| GDP | $82.3B | $540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,390.772 | $54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | 65.5 yrs | 83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 28.2 | 2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Accra | Jerusalem |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | ILS (₪) |
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 3.3 times more populous than Israel, with 33.7M residents compared to 10.1M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 6.6 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 22.7 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 17.7 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 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 944% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Ghana (238,533 km²) is 10.9 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Ghana lies in Africa, while Israel is located in Asia. Ghana is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Israel is in GDP per capita: Ghana's $2,390.772 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Israel is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Israel is in infant mortality: Ghana's 28.2 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 22.7x 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 Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 3.3x more densely populated than Ghana (462 vs 141 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ghana's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 17.7 years longer than those of Ghana (83.2 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 Israel's 0.9%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ghana vs Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel 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 Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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.
Ghana vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 22.7x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, 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 Israel's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Israel 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, Ghana or Israel by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Ghana is 3.3 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Israel's economy is 6.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.7 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ghana or Israel?
Ghana is larger by land area, covering 238,533 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Ghana is 10.9 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Israel?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Israel?
Israel has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Israel'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 Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Ghana or Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in sp...
Is Ghana or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 ...
Is Ghana or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 22.7x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Ghana or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...
Population Growth
Ghana, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Israel, 1994 to 2023