The Most Popular Country in West Africa, Ranked

Choose the country you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:34
In a lively region filled with a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions, determining the most popular country in West Africa becomes an engaging reflection of collective preferences and interests. Such rankings help not only in boosting tourism but also in highlighting the unique aspects of each country that might otherwise remain overshadowed. By casting votes for your favorite country, you contribute to a dynamic list that showcases which destinations resonate most with people around the globe. This active participation ensures the list remains current and reflective of real-time public opinion and trends. Voting is not just an expression of preference but a chance to influence others and share the enchantment of West Africa's diverse nations.

What Is the Most Popular Country in West Africa?

  1. 1
    57
    votes
    With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in West Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world. It is also a major economic power in the region, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, oil and gas, and telecommunications.
    Nigeria is a country located in West Africa. It is the most populous country in Africa, with over 200 million people. Nigeria has a rich cultural heritage, comprising of various ethnic groups and languages. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including vast savannahs, lush forests, and Niger River deltas. The country has a mixed economy, being a major producer and exporter of crude oil, as well as having a growing agricultural sector. Nigeria has a vibrant music and movie industry and is known for its famous musicians and Nollywood film productions.
    • Population: Over 200 million
    • Official Language: English
    • Capital: Abuja
    • Largest City: Lagos
    • Area: 923,768 square kilometers
  2. 2
    25
    votes
    Ghana is known for its political stability, democratic governance and a thriving economy. The country is a major exporter of gold, cocoa, and oil. It has a diverse culture and is home to several tourist attractions.
    Ghana, officially known as the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It has a rich history and cultural heritage, being known as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule. Ghana is recognized for its political stability, economic growth, and commitment to democracy, making it one of the most advanced countries in Africa.
    • Capital: Accra
    • Official Language: English
    • Area: 238,535 square kilometers
    • Population: Approximately 30 million people
    • Government: Unitary presidential constitutional democracy
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    Senegal is a West African country with a rich cultural heritage. It has a stable democracy and a growing economy, which is driven by industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
    Senegal is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, and the Atlantic Ocean. The country has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its vibrant music, art, and traditional ceremonies. Senegal gained independence from France in 1960 and has since established itself as a stable democracy in the region.
    • Capital: Dakar
    • Official Language: French
    • Population: 16.2 million
    • Area: 196,722 square kilometers
    • Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
  4. 4
    25
    votes
    Côte d'Ivoire is a French-speaking country in West Africa. It is known for its cocoa and coffee production, as well as its vibrant music and dance culture. The country has made significant progress in terms of economic growth and poverty reduction in recent years.
    Côte d'Ivoire is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana. It has a diverse culture, with over 60 ethnic groups, and is known for its rich music, art, and cuisine. The country is also known for its natural resources, including cocoa, coffee, and oil. Côte d'Ivoire has a vibrant economy and is one of the largest producers of cocoa in the world.
    • Official Name: République de Côte d'Ivoire
    • Capital: Yamoussoukro
    • Largest City: Abidjan
    • Population: Approximately 26.3 million
    • Official Language: French
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient cities. It is also home to several natural resources, including gold, uranium, and salt. Despite some political instability, Mali has made progress in recent years in areas such as education and health.
    Mali is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with diverse landscapes ranging from the Sahara Desert to the Niger River. Mali has a rich cultural heritage, known for its vibrant music and intricate mud-brick architecture. The country is home to ancient cities like Timbuktu and Djenne, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Mali gained independence from France in 1960 and has since experienced political instability and conflict, particularly in recent years.
    • Capital: Bamako
    • Population: approx. 20.3 million
    • Official Language: French
    • Currency: West African CFA franc
    • GDP (nominal): approx. $18.9 billion
  6. 6
    19
    votes

    Burkina Faso

    Maurice Yaméogo
    Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa known for its diverse culture and rich history. It is also home to several natural resources, including gold, manganese, and copper. The country has made progress in areas such as education and poverty reduction in recent years.
    Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and warm hospitality. With a population of over 20 million people, Burkina Faso is home to various ethnic groups, each contributing to its diverse traditions and customs. The country's landscape comprises vast savannas, rolling hills, and the Sahel region to the north. Burkina Faso gained independence from France in 1960 and has since developed into a democratic republic.
    • Capital: Ouagadougou
    • Official Language: French
    • Area: 274,200 square kilometers
    • Population: Approximately 20,903,273
    • Currency: West African CFA franc
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa known for its diverse culture and natural resources, including uranium, coal, and gold. The country has made progress in areas such as education and health in recent years, but still faces challenges such as poverty and political instability.
    Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the northwest, Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west. The country is named after the Niger River, the longest river in West Africa, which flows through its western border.
    • Capital: Niamey
    • Area: 1,267,000 square kilometers
    • Population: approximately 24 million
    • Official Language: French
    • Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Togo is a small country in West Africa known for its vibrant music and dance culture. It is also home to several natural resources, including phosphate and limestone. The country has made progress in areas such as education and health in recent years, but still faces challenges such as poverty and political instability.
    Togo is a country located in West Africa. It is known for its beautiful landscape, vibrant culture, and rich history. Togo is bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east, and Burkina Faso to the north. The country has a diverse population with over 40 different ethnic groups, each contributing to its unique cultural heritage. Togo gained independence from France in 1960 and has since developed into a democratic nation. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning beaches, wildlife reserves, and traditional festivals.
    • Capital: Lomé
    • Official Language: French
    • Area: 56,785 square kilometers
    • Population: Approximately 8 million
    • Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    Benin is a French-speaking country in West Africa known for its rich cultural heritage and history. It is also home to several natural resources, including cotton and palm oil. The country has made progress in areas such as education and health in recent years, but still faces challenges such as poverty and political instability.
    Benin is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the northwest, and Niger to the north. It has a population of approximately 12 million people and covers an area of 112,622 square kilometers. Benin was formerly known as Dahomey and gained independence from France in 1960. Today, it is a presidential republic with Porto-Novo as its capital city.
    • Population: 12 million
    • Area: 112,622 square kilometers
    • Bordering Countries: Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger
    • Capital: Porto-Novo
    • Former Name: Dahomey
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    Sierra Leone
    Zscout370 · Public domain
    Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa known for its natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and iron ore. The country has made progress in areas such as education and health in recent years, but still faces challenges such as poverty and political instability.
    Sierra Leone is a country located in West Africa. It is known for its diverse culture, rich natural resources, and stunning landscapes, including beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. The country has a vibrant music and dance scene, with traditional music forms like Bubu and Palm Wine music gaining international recognition. Sierra Leone also has a troubled past, having experienced a devastating civil war in the late 20th century, but has shown resilience and progress in recent years.
    • Capital: Freetown
    • Official Language: English
    • Area: 71,740 square kilometers
    • Population: Approximately 7.9 million
    • Currency: Leone (SLL)

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Ranking factors for popular country

  1. Population
    The size of the population is an important factor, as more populous countries tend to be more popular and influential, with a more significant cultural, economic, and political impact on the region.
  2. Economy
    The economic strength of a country is crucial to consider. A prospering economy attracts more investment, tourism, and international interest.
  3. Political stability
    A stable political environment adds to a country's popularity, as it suggests a well-governed nation that can offer safety and security for its residents and visitors.
  4. Tourism
    The number of tourists and tourist attractions in a country is another indicator of popularity, as it reflects the international interest in the region.
  5. Cultural influence
    Countries with a rich cultural heritage or influence in the arts, music, and sports become more popular over time, as they showcase distinct aspects of their heritage to the world.
  6. Regional and international relations
    A country with strong diplomacy and positive relationships with neighboring countries and international partners is considered more popular and influential.
  7. Infrastructure and development
    Well-developed infrastructure, including transportation, communication, and services, makes a country more attractive to tourists and investors, thereby adding to its popularity.
  8. Human development indicators
    Factors like literacy rate, education, healthcare system, and life expectancy contribute to a country's overall development, making it more popular for residents and potential immigrants.
  9. Natural resources
    The availability and management of natural resources such as minerals, oil, and gas, as well as agricultural potentials, can make a country more popular in the region.
  10. Security
    Countries with lower crime rates and better national security measures in place are often considered more popular destinations for tourism, investment, and immigration.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular country in West Africa. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or nation is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2117 views
  • 181 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each nation once every 24 hours. The rank of each nation is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular country in west africa

Background Information: West Africa consists of 16 countries that share a common history, culture, and geography. It is a region known for its vibrant music, colorful textiles, and diverse cuisine. The countries in West Africa are known for their unique traditions, but they also share a common desire to improve their economies and social systems. With so much diversity in the region, it's interesting to explore which country is the most popular. One way to measure popularity is through StrawPoll, where people can vote on their favorite West African country. Let's take a look at the results and see which country comes out on top.

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