Accra, March 6 1957. Tens of thousands of rejoicing people flood the streets of the city center. Shouts of "freedom, freedom" fill the air as men, women and children sing and dance, celebrating the birth of a new state and the beginning of a new era: an independent Ghana. At midnight on that historic day, Britain's Union Jack was taken down above Parliament House in the capital, replaced by Ghana's new flag -- a black star at the heart of a red, gold and green tricolor. At that moment, to the cheering of an ecstatic crowd, Ghana became the first African country south of the Sahara to break the chains of colonialism. The event triggered a liberation movement that was destined to sweep the entire continent and eventually lead to the demise of colonial rule in Africa.
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Ghana gained independence from Great Britain in March 1957; formerly named Gold Coast
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Nation's first few decades were witness to internal political upheaval
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Now the country is held up as a successful example of democracy in Africa
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Gold and cocoa are traditional exports; 2007 off-shore oil discovery could boost economy
The country is often described as "@placeholder for beginners," combining long stretches of sandy beaches, lush tropical forests and diverse wildlife.
@placeholder was formerly known as the Gold Coast because of the abundance of the precious metal found there.