Ghana Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 47th most populous · Lower middle income
Population right now (estimate)
35,893,428
The population of Ghana is about 35,893,428 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 35.7 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.43% of the world's people.
Ghana is the 47th most populous of 217 countries and territories. The population is still growing, by about 1.81% a year. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 50.6 million. That is 5.1 times its 1960 population of 7.0 million. Population density is 157 people per square kilometre. 59% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
35.7 million
Yearly change
+1.81%
World rank
47th
Share of world
0.43%
Density
157/km²
Land area
227,533 km²
Life expectancy
65.7 yrs
Births per woman
3.34
GDP per capita
$3,257
GDP
$114.2B
Population of Ghana, 1960–2050
Ghana population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 6,961,215 | — | 31 |
| 1970 | 8,925,813 | +2.71% | 39 |
| 1980 | 11,941,448 | +2.97% | 52 |
| 1990 | 15,394,648 | +2.58% | 68 |
| 2000 | 19,637,087 | +2.54% | 86 |
| 2010 | 25,474,995 | +2.46% | 112 |
| 2020 | 31,887,809 | +2.01% | 140 |
| 2024 | 34,427,414 | +1.89% | 151 |
| 2026proj. | 35,697,557 | +1.81% | 157 |
| 2030proj. | 38,222,089 | +1.68% | 168 |
| 2040proj. | 44,568,350 | +1.42% | 196 |
| 2050proj. | 50,553,047 | +1.14% | 222 |
Ghana vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 5.0 times as many people as Ghana. Bangladesh is 8.7 times more densely populated.
Ghana population: questions and answers
What is the population of Ghana in 2026?
About 35,697,557 (35.7 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Ghana's population growing?
Yes, by about 1.81% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Ghana?
About 157 people per km², with a land area of 227,533 km².
What will the population of Ghana be in 2050?
About 50.6 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Ghana?
Accra.
What is the life expectancy in Ghana?
65.7 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.