Stories and facts
Demographics: Population Structure and Composition
Based on the data from the 2010 Population and Housing Census, the population of Tatale Sanguli District stands at 60,039 individuals, which accounts for nearly 2.4 percent of the entire regional population. The gender distribution within the district closely mirrors the national average, with males representing 49.6 percent and females constituting 50.4 percent of the population. Notably, a significant majority of the district's inhabitants (81.4 percent) reside in rural areas. The district's sex ratio stands at 98.4. The population structure leans toward a youthful demographic, showcased by a pyramid-shaped age distribution that narrows at the top, indicating a smaller elderly population. The age dependency ratio for the district registers at 99.8, with a higher ratio for males (105.8) compared to females (94.2).
Fertility, Mortality, and Migration Patterns
The district's Total Fertility Rate is recorded at 3.5, reflecting the average number of children a woman would bear in her lifetime. The General Fertility Rate, at 92.6 births per 1000 women aged 15-49 years, is the second highest within the region. The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) is 21.8 per 1000 population, while the Crude Death Rate stands at 3.5 per 1000. Examining mortality by gender, the highest death rate among males is observed in the age group of 70 years and older, with a corresponding rate of 19 deaths per 1000 population. For females, the age group of 70 years and older also records the highest death rate, with 9 deaths per 1000 population. Regarding migration, among the 2,634 migrants born elsewhere, 56.7 percent (1,494 individuals) originated from outside the country, and 9,228 were born within the same region.
Household Dynamics: Size, Composition, and Structure
The Tatale Sanguli District accommodates a total household population of 59,088, distributed across 6,986 households. The average household size is 8.6 persons. Within these households, children constitute the largest segment, accounting for 59.8 percent, followed by spouses at 10.2 percent. The district's household structure includes a notable proportion (29.4 percent) of nuclear households, encompassing heads of households, spouses, and children.
Marital Patterns and Social Dynamics
In the context of marital status, 51.5 percent of individuals aged 12 years and older are married, while 42.7 percent have never married. Consensual unions represent 0.4 percent, widowed individuals make up 3.6 percent, divorced individuals account for 1.0 percent, and separated individuals comprise 0.8 percent. Among the population aged 12-14 years, 8.6 percent of females are married, exceeding their male counterparts. Notably, at age 65 and older, 48.1 percent of females are widowed, compared to a significantly lower proportion of 5.6 percent for widowed males. Among the married population, a significant majority (83.5 percent) have received no formal education, while approximately 44 percent of the unmarried segment have never attended school. Moreover, a noteworthy 90.7 percent of the married population are employed, with 1.0 percent unemployed. Among those who have never married, 64.7 percent are employed, accompanied by a 1.1 percent unemployment rate.
Nationality and Cultural Diversity
The district's population composition is characterized by its nationality distribution. Ghanaians by birth constitute 93.6 percent of the district's population, while naturalized individuals contribute 0.8 percent. The non-Ghanaian population comprises 2.3 percent of the district's inhabitants.
Education and Literacy
Assessing literacy and education, individuals aged 11 years and above within the district exhibit a literacy rate of 34.1 percent, leaving 65.9 percent classified as non-literate. Dissecting the data by gender, the male literacy rate stands at 39.5 percent, surpassing the female literacy rate of 29.0 percent. Approximately 23.4 percent of the district's population aged 3 years and older possess the ability to read and write in both English and Ghanaian languages. Furthermore, within the same age group, 57.8 percent have never attended school, 33.7 percent are currently enrolled, and 8.3 percent have received education in the past.
Economic Engagement and Occupation
Economic activity within the district reveals that 82.1 percent of individuals aged 15 years and older are economically active, while 17.9 percent are classified as economically inactive. Among the economically active, 98.6 percent are employed, with the remaining 1.4 percent experiencing unemployment. The economically inactive segment includes 48.4 percent students, 20.4 percent individuals engaged in household duties, and 21.0 percent considered too young or too old for employment. Of the unemployed segment, 46.4 percent are first-time job seekers.
Occupational Diversity
Analyzing employment categories, approximately 90.7 percent of the employed population are occupied in skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery roles. Service and sales occupations account for 3.5 percent, craft and related trades employ 3.0 percent, while managers, professionals, and technicians comprise 1.2 percent.
Employment Status and Sectoral Distribution
In terms of employment status and sectoral engagement, 51.2 percent of individuals aged 15 years and older are self-employed without employees, while 43.0 percent are contributing family workers. Self-employment with employees constitutes 1.9 percent, and 0.6 percent serve as domestic employees (house helps). The gender distribution reveals that men are predominantly represented across all employment categories except for contributing family workers and apprentices. The private informal sector emerges as the primary employer within the district, encompassing 97.9 percent of the population, followed by the public sector with 1.0 percent.
The Tatale Sanguli District of the Northern Region in Ghana is a dynamic administrative unit characterized by its diverse population, distinctive demographic patterns, and active economic engagement. The district's multifaceted dynamics contribute to its role as a vital component within the region's social and economic landscape.