Ghana is a country in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea, with capital Accra, rich natural resources like gold and cocoa, and a diverse landscape including rainforests, savannas, and the large Lake Volta. Once a British colony called the Gold Coast, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957, adopting the name of a medieval empire to reflect its ancient heritage. It is known for its tropical climate, relatively stable democracy, and vibrant culture, with the Akan people being the largest ethnic group.