The Northern Region is one of the sixteen regions of Ghana. It is situated in the northern part of the country and ranks as the second largest of the sixteen regions. Before its division, it covered an area of 25,000 square kilometres, representing 10 percent of Ghana's area. In December 2018, the Savannah Region and North East Region were created from it. The Northern Region is divided into 16 districts. The region's capital is Tamale, Ghana's third largest city.

Geography and climate

Location and size

The Northern Region, spanning approximately 25,000 square kilometers, stands as Ghana's Second largest region by land area. It shares borders with the North East Region and Savannah Region to the north, and Oti Regions to the south, and neighboring countries, including the Republic of Togo to the east and La Cote d'voire to the west.

Climate and vegetation

The Northern Region has a Guinean forest-savanna mosaic ecosystem. The Guinea Savanna is the wettest of the three savanna ecological zones. The vegetation consists predominantly of woodlands and grasslands. The wet season is between April and October, while the dry season occurs from January to March. There is an average annual rainfall of 750 to 1050 mm (30 to 40 inches). The highest temperatures are reached in March, at the end of the dry season. From late November to March, the north east trade winds blows causing Harmattan. During this time, temperatures can vary between 14 °C (59 °F) at night and 40 °C (104 °F) during the day.

Economy

Like all parts of Ghana, more than half of the economically active population are agricultural. The region is one of the most agriculturally important regions in Ghana. It also has the largest reserve of iron ore.

Demographics

The Northern Region contains much of the territories of the Kingdom of Dagbon and Dagbani is the most widely spoke language, along with English. Dagbani belongs to the Oti–Volta subfamily in the Niger–Congo language family. Other languages spoken within the region include Likpakpaln and Nawuri.

Business

The region is a hotspot for investment in Ghana, with Tamale previously been ranked as the fastest growing city in West Africa; experiencing tremendous growth compared to other cities in Ghana. The region's location, and greater proximity to both Europe and North Africa, compared to Accra, makes it an increasingly attractive destination for investors. Ghana's largest iron ore reserves, estimated to be more than three billion tons, makes the region an ideal destination for investments in steel and iron.

Tourism

Religion

Around three out of five residents in the Northern region were affiliated to Islam (60.0%).

Districts

The Northern Region of Ghana contains 16 districts. 11 are ordinary districts in addition to 1 metropolitan and 4 municipal districts.: Under every municipality, metropoly and districts are many towns and villages.

Health facilities

Hospitals in the Northern Region:

Notable citizens

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