Turkey vs Ghana
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Turkey is 2.5 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 16.5 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 3.3 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 11.7 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
TurkeyGhana| Population | +153.9%85.7M | -60.6%33.7M |
| Area | +228.5%783,562 km² | -69.6%238,533 km² |
| GDP | +1551.3%$1.36T | -93.9%$82.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +564.8%$15,892.716 | -85.0%$2,390.772 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.8%77.2 yrs | -15.1%65.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -67.7%9.1 | +209.9%28.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +186.0%8.5% | -65.0%3.0% |
| Capital | Ankara | Accra |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Turkish | English |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | 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
Turkey is 2.5 times more populous than Ghana, with 85.7M residents compared to 33.7M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate). While Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade, Ghana has grown at 2.12% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 16.5 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% 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 Turkey are on average 6.6 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 65.5 years in Ghana, a gap of 11.7 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 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 210% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 3.3 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Ghana borders 3 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Ghana's 1 timezone. Turkey lies in Europe and Asia, while Ghana is located in Africa. Turkey is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Ghana belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Ghana is in GDP: Turkey's $1.36T compared to Ghana's $82.3B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Ghana is in GDP per capita: Turkey's $15,892.716 compared to Ghana's $2,390.772 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Ghana is in land area: Turkey's 783,562 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km² represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Ghana's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 6.6x 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 Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 1.3x more densely populated than Turkey (141 vs 109 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Turkey's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Turkey live an average of 11.7 years longer than those of Ghana (77.2 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 Turkey's 3.3%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Ghana for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkey vs Ghana for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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.
Turkey vs Ghana Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 6.6x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, 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 Turkey's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Ghana for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey 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, Turkey or Ghana by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Turkey is 2.5 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Ghana?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Turkey's economy is 16.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Ghana?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.7 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 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, Turkey or Ghana?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Turkey is 3.3 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Ghana?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Ghana recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Ghana?
Ghana has lower inflation at 22.8%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Ghana's inflation is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Ghana better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 ...
Is Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in sp...
Is Turkey or Ghana better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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 Turkey or Ghana more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 6.6x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Turkey or Ghana better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...