Tamale

Tamale (Dagbani: [ˈtamali]) is the capital city of the Northern Region of Ghana. It is Ghana's third largest city, with a population of 371,351 people (as of 2010).: 67  The city has been ranked as the fastest-growing city in West Africa. Tamale is located in the Kingdom of Dagbon, Ghana's oldest Kingdom. Major ethnic groups who resided in Tamale are Dagomba, Gonja, Mamprusi, Akan, and Dagaaba. The city grew from a small village to an important economic center in the Northern Territories after the British had established administrative headquarters in the area. It became the capital of the Northern Region in 1960.: 1, 2, 15  The biggest economic sector of Tamale is agriculture, followed by trading, teaching, and manufacturing.: 42  Tamale boasts a thriving artistic and literary scene, evident in its numerous art studios, poets, and musicians. Numerous art studios are scattered throughout the urban landscape. Annual festivals are celebrated all around the city, such as fire festival, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid Adha and the Damba festival.: 4, 5