Ghana,�country�of western�Africa, situated on the�coast�of the�Gulf of Guinea. Although relatively small in area and population, Ghana is one of the leading countries of Africa, partly because of its considerable natural wealth and partly because it was the first black African country south of the�Sahara�to achieve independence from colonial rule.

In addition to being known for its lush forests,�diverse�animal life, and miles of sandy beaches along a picturesque coast, Ghana is also celebrated for its rich history�its habitation possibly dating from 10,000�BCE�and as a fascinating repository of cultural heritage. The country takes it name from the great�medieval�trading empire that was located northwest of the modern-day state until its�demise�in the 13th century. Direct sea trade with Europe, established in the 15th century, had much impact on the area�s inhabitants, many of whom actively traded with the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and other Europeans. Forts and castles, many of which still dot the Ghanaian coast today, were constructed by Europeans to protect their trade interests. Although trading was originally centred on the gold that was readily available in the area (and from which the future British colony the�Gold Coast�would take its name), the focus shifted to the�lucrative�slave trade�in the 17th century. The area later became known for growing�cacao, the source of cocoa beans. Introduced there in the late 19th century, cacao continues to provide an important export for Ghana.

Modern-day Ghana, which gained its independence on March 6, 1957, consists primarily of the former Gold Coast. The colony�s drive for independence was led by nationalist and Pan-African leader�Kwame Nkrumah, who viewed Ghana�s�sovereignty�as being important not only for the Ghanaian people but for all of Africa, saying �Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent.� Indeed, more than 30 other African countries, spurred by Ghana�s example, followed suit and declared their own independence within the next decade.

Nkrumah quickly laid the groundwork for fiscal independence within the new country as well, embarking on many economic development projects. Unfortunately, decades of corruption, mismanagement, and�military rulestymied growth and achievement. By the 1990s, though, the country�s state of affairs began showing signs of improvement, and Ghana is now held up as an example of successful economic recovery and political reform in African