# Tamale

> city in Northern Region, Ghana

**Wikidata**: [Q217040](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q217040)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamale,_Ghana)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tamale

## Summary  
Tamale is the capital city of the Northern Region in Ghana, serving as a major urban, economic, and cultural hub in the northern part of the country. With a population exceeding 700,000 as of 2023, it is one of Ghana’s fastest-growing cities and a focal point for regional administration, education, and commerce.  

## Key Facts  
- **Location**: Situated in the Northern Region of Ghana, Africa, at coordinates 9.4075° N, 0.8533° W.  
- **Population**: 729,768 (2023 census), up from 371,351 in 2010 and 202,317 in 2000.  
- **Area**: 750 square kilometers.  
- **Elevation**: 151 meters above sea level.  
- **Language**: Official languages include English and Dagbanli, with Hausa also widely spoken.  
- **Administration**: Capital of the Northern Region and the Tamale Metropolitan District.  
- **Twin Cities**: Louisville (U.S.), Fada N’Gourma (Burkina Faso), and Niamey (Niger).  
- **Time Zone**: UTC±00:00.  
- **Website**: http://www.tamale.ghanadistricts.gov.gh.  
- **UN/LOCODE**: GHTML.  
- **Geonames ID**: 2294877.  

## FAQs  
**Q: Where is Tamale located?**  
A: Tamale is in the Northern Region of Ghana, bordered by districts like Sagnarigu, Savelugu, and Tolon.  

**Q: How has Tamale’s population grown?**  
A: The population surged from 83,653 in 1970 to 729,768 in 2023, reflecting rapid urbanization.  

**Q: What languages are spoken in Tamale?**  
A: English (official), Dagbanli (local), and Hausa (trade language) are predominant.  

**Q: What is Tamale’s economic significance?**  
A: It is a commercial and administrative center for northern Ghana, hosting markets, universities, and regional government offices.  

**Q: Is Tamale a metropolitan area?**  
A: Yes, it is classified as a metropolitan area and the capital of the Tamale Metropolitan District.  

## Why It Matters  
Tamale is critical to Ghana’s northern development, acting as a bridge between rural communities and national systems. Its growth underscores urbanization trends in West Africa, and its role as an educational and healthcare hub (with institutions like the University for Development Studies) supports regional advancement. The city’s cultural festivals, such as the Damba Festival, and its blend of traditional and modern infrastructure highlight its unique identity within Ghana.  

## Notable For  
- Fastest-growing city in Ghana, with a 2023 population nearly double the 2010 figure.  
- Northern Ghana’s primary urban center, housing key institutions like the Tamale Teaching Hospital.  
- Elevation of 151 meters, distinguishing it from coastal Ghanaian cities.  
- Administrative divisions include Tamale North, South, and Central constituencies.  
- Twinning with Louisville, Kentucky, fostering international cultural and economic ties.  

## Body  

### Geography & Climate  
Tamale is located at 9.4075° N, 0.8533° W in Ghana’s Northern Region, covering 750 km². It sits 151 meters above sea level in a predominantly savanna climate. The city borders districts such as Sagnarigu Municipal, Savelugu Municipal, and Tolon, and serves as the gateway to northern Ghana’s natural attractions, including national parks.  

### Demographics  
As of the 2023 census, Tamale’s population is 729,768, with 1,141,705 males and 1,169,234 females. Urban residents number 1,095,808, while rural populations total 1,215,131. Historical data shows exponential growth: 83,653 (1970), 135,952 (1984), 202,317 (2000), 371,351 (2010), and 466,723 (2016). This growth reflects migration from rural areas and high birth rates.  

### Administration & Politics  
Tamale is the capital of both the Northern Region and the Tamale Metropolitan District. It is divided into administrative constituencies: Tamale North, Tamale South, and Tamale Central. The city hosts regional government offices and is a hub for political activity in northern Ghana.  

### Economy & Infrastructure  
The city’s economy revolves around trade, agriculture (notably shea nut and grain production), and services. Key infrastructure includes the Tamale Airport, which offers domestic flights, and major roads linking to cities like Kumasi and Accra. Markets such as the Tamale Market are economic lifelines, attracting traders from across West Africa.  

### Culture & Education  
Tamale is known for the Damba Festival, celebrated by the Dagomba people, and its blend of Islamic and traditional practices. The University for Development Studies (UDS) and the Tamale Technical University drive educational advancement. The city’s cultural diversity is reflected in its mix of ethnic groups, including the Dagomba, Gonja, and Mamprusi.  

### International Relations  
Tamale is twinned with Louisville, Kentucky (U.S.), Fada N’Gourma (Burkina Faso), and Niamey (Niger). These partnerships promote cultural exchange and economic collaboration, particularly in education and municipal governance.  

### Historical Context  
Described in the *Great Soviet Encyclopedia* (1969–1978) and the *Belarusian Encyclopedia*, Tamale’s historical significance as a trade and administrative center dates to pre-colonial times. Its growth accelerated post-independence, driven by government investments in infrastructure and education.  

### Digital Presence  
Tamale’s official website (http://www.tamale.ghanadistricts.gov.gh) provides municipal information. The city is documented in global databases, including GeoNames (ID 2294877), VIAF (145425685), and the BBC Things ID (edaa9174-e7cf-4053-be31-8b8f6798bcd1).  

### Environmental & Urban Challenges  
Rapid urbanization has strained resources, leading to initiatives like the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly’s waste management and sanitation programs. The city’s expansion into surrounding districts highlights challenges in balancing growth with environmental sustainability.

## References

1. GeoNames
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://worldpopulationreview.com/cities/ghana/tamale)
5. [Source](https://census2021.statsghana.gov.gh/)
6. BBC Things
7. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/gh.htm)
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File