The Republic of Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast, is located in western Africa on the Atlantic Ocean between Togo and the Ivory Coast.
Tropical conditions prevail throughout Ghana, which is roughly the size of Oregon.
Its people are comprised of 100 ethnic groups with three major language divisions. The majority of Ghana's population is concentrated along the coast, particularly around the capitol, Accra. Lake Volta, located between the Volta Region and the Eastern Region, extends 250 miles in length behind the Akosombo Dam. Much of the early history of Ghana revolved around trade in gold, ivory, slaves, and salt. Ghana became the first black African colony to receive its independence in 1957, and it has been a democratic multi-party system since 1992.