Kumasi (historically spelled Comassie or Coomassie) is a city in Ashanti Region, Ashantiland and is among the largest metropolitan areas in Ashantiland, Ghana. Kumasi is located near Lake Bosumtwi, in a rain forest region, and is the commercial, industrial and cultural capital of Asanteman. Kumasi is approximately 500 kilometres (300 mi) north of the Equator and 200 kilometres (100 mi) north of the Gulf of Guinea. Kumasi is alternatively known as "The Garden City" because of its many beautiful species of flowers and plants. It is also called Oseikrom.