Nigeria and Ghana are two former British colonies situated in West Africa. The two nations, up to this day, have a long history of friendship and rivalry, as well as socio-economic relationships. Even though both countries do see themselves as neighbors, they are separated by Togo and Benin Republic.
It is interesting to point out that Nigeria and Ghana are the largest and second-largest economies and the two biggest oil producers in West Africa. Also, in terms of population, Nigeria and Ghana are the two most populous countries in the region, though Nigeria is seven times more populated.
But when the geographical areas of Nigeria and Ghana are compared, which is bigger? This article has been written to address this question and you will get a detailed answer below.
Ghana and Nigeria: Which is Bigger?
Nigeria is about 3.9 times bigger or 287% larger than Ghana in terms of land area. Nigeria has a land area that covers 923, 768 square kilometers (356,669 square miles) while Ghana has a land area covering 238,535 (92,099 square miles) square kilometers.
Nigeria – officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria – is a country in West Africa. It gained its independence from British colonial rulers on the 1st of October 1960 and became a republic in 1963. Nigeria geographically lies between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea to the south in the Atlantic Ocean. In Global Positioning System, Nigeria lies between latitudes 4° and 14°N, and longitudes 2° and 15°E.
Going by land area, Nigeria covers an area of approximately 923,769 square kilometres (356,669 square miles) and borders four other West African countries namely Niger (in the north), Chad (in the northeast), Cameroon (in the east), and Benin Republic (in the west). Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with a population that exceeds 216 million based on the 2022 estimate. This population estimate places Nigeria as the 7th most populous country in the world.
Nigeria is a federal republic comprised of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where Abuja – its capital – is located. The 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT are further divided into 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The biggest city by population in Nigeria is Lagos, which is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world and the second-largest city in Africa after Cairo in Egypt.
Ghana is an English-speaking West African country that, like Nigeria, was also colonized by the British, from whom they got their independence in 1957. Ghana and Nigeria are prominent countries in West Africa in that while Nigeria is the most populous, Ghana is the second most populous – with a really huge difference. Also, while Nigeria is the biggest economy and the biggest oil producer in West Africa (and even in Africa), Ghana comes in second – again with a really huge difference.
When it comes down to the bigger country by land area between these two countries, Nigeria tops. Nigeria is approximately 3.9 times or 287% bigger than Ghana.
Is Ghana bigger than Lagos?
Yes, Ghana is bigger than Lagos. In terms of population, Ghana has about 31 million people while Lagos has 21 million people according to 2022 estimates. Also, in terms of land area, Ghana is very much bigger than Lagos with 238,535 square kilometers compared to 3,577 square kilometers.
Which country has more money, Ghana or Nigeria?
GDP per capita, which showcase how much of a country’s overall economic prosperity actually trickles down to everyone in that country, is the right word to use here. Going by this, Nigeria has a higher GDP per capita of USD 2,400 than Ghana with USD 1,980, all according to 2022 estimates. Both countries do not make the top 10 list of countries with the highest GDP per capita in Africa.
Is Ghana richer than Lagos?
Though the comparison here is between a city and a country, Ghana is not richer than Lagos. If Lagos were to be a country, it would have been the 5th largest economy in the African continent. Lagos is the richest state in Nigeria and it attracts huge investments from different parts of the world.
Is Accra more beautiful than Abuja?
No, it is not. Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, is more beautiful and developed than Accra, Ghana’s capital. Sure enough, both cities have fascinating areas, as well as parts that will make you cringe, but as far as aesthetics is concerned, Abuja clearly trumps Accra.
Conclusion
Ghana and Nigeria have been both friends and rivals for a long time. There’s always a sort of comparison between these two countries in many areas, even though Nigeria mostly comes out on top. In this article, we have been able to compare the two countries based on their land area or size and Nigeria is obviously the bigger country.
Nigeria has a land area of approximately 923,768 square kilometers while Ghana has a land size of approximately 238,535 square kilometers – which makes Nigeria 3.9 times bigger or 287% larger than Ghana.