Malawi, officially the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the west and northwest, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south, and southwest. The country is particularly known for Lake Malawi, which occupies a large part of its eastern side.
Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Republic of Malawi |
| Capital | Lilongwe |
| Largest city | Lilongwe |
| Region | Southeastern Africa |
| Area | 118,484 km² |
| Population | About 22.2 million (2025) |
| Official language | English |
| Major national language | Chichewa |
| Currency | Malawian kwacha (MWK) |
| Government | Presidential republic |
| Independence | 6 July 1964 |
| Time zone | Central Africa Time (UTC+2) |
| Internet TLD | .mw |
| Calling code | +265 |
| Driving side | Left |
The World Bank reports a population of approximately 22.2 million in 2025 and a nominal GDP of about US$14.92 billion.
Geography
Malawi covers approximately 118,484 square kilometres and has no coastline. Its landscape is dominated by the Great Rift Valley, high plateaus, mountains, valleys, and lakes.
Lake Malawi, also called Lake Nyasa, is the country’s most prominent geographical feature. It is one of Africa’s largest lakes and is famous for its exceptionally diverse fish population. The lake forms much of Malawi’s eastern boundary.
Important geographical features include:
- Lake Malawi
- Shire River
- Nyika Plateau
- Shire Highlands
- Mulanje Massif
- Zomba Plateau
- Lake Chilwa
- Lake Malombe
The highest point is Sapitwa Peak on Mount Mulanje, reaching approximately 3,002 metres above sea level.
Climate
Malawi generally has a subtropical climate with a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season normally lasts from approximately November to April, while the dry season extends from May to October. Temperatures vary considerably with altitude.
History
The region was historically inhabited by several Bantu-speaking peoples and became associated with the Maravi Kingdom, which developed from around the 15th and 16th centuries.
During the colonial period, the territory came under British control. It was initially known as the British Central African Protectorate and was renamed Nyasaland in 1907.
Malawi became independent from Britain on 6 July 1964, with Hastings Banda becoming the country’s first prime minister. In 1966, Malawi became a republic, with Banda as president.
A transition to multiparty democracy took place in the early 1990s. The first multiparty presidential election was held in 1994, ending Banda’s long period of rule.
Government and Politics
Malawi is a presidential republic with an elected president and a multiparty political system. The country has held regular presidential and parliamentary elections since the restoration of multiparty politics.
The country is divided into 28 districts, including Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzimba, Mangochi, Zomba, Dedza, Karonga and Salima.
Economy
Malawi has an economy strongly dependent on agriculture. More than 80% of the population is employed in agriculture, making the country particularly vulnerable to droughts, floods and other climate-related events.
Important agricultural products include:
- Tobacco
- Tea
- Sugar
- Coffee
- Maize
- Cotton
- Groundnuts
- Soybeans
Other important economic activities include manufacturing, tourism, transportation, telecommunications, banking and energy.
The country continues to face economic challenges including high inflation, foreign-exchange shortages and significant public debt.
Population and Culture
Malawi’s population consists of several ethnic communities, with the Chewa, Lomwe, Yao, Ngoni, Tumbuka, Sena and Tonga among the major groups.
English is the official language, while Chichewa is the dominant national language. Other languages include Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga and Nyanja.
Christianity is the predominant religion, while Islam and traditional beliefs are also practiced.
Malawi is sometimes called the “Warm Heart of Africa”, a nickname associated with the country’s welcoming people and culture.
Major Cities
Lilongwe
Lilongwe is the capital and largest city of Malawi. It is the country’s political and administrative centre.
Blantyre
Blantyre is one of Malawi’s principal commercial and industrial centres and is located in the southern region.
Mzuzu
Mzuzu is the largest major urban centre in northern Malawi and serves as an important commercial and educational centre.
Zomba
Zomba was the former capital of Malawi and remains an important administrative, educational and cultural city.
Tourism
Malawi has a growing tourism industry based largely on its lakes, mountains, wildlife and national parks.
Popular attractions include:
- Lake Malawi
- Lake Malawi National Park
- Liwonde National Park
- Nyika National Park
- Majete Wildlife Reserve
- Mount Mulanje
- Zomba Plateau
- Chongoni Rock Art Area
Malawi has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lake Malawi National Park and the Chongoni Rock-Art Area.
Natural Environment
Lake Malawi is particularly important to the country’s biodiversity. Its waters contain an extraordinary variety of fish species, especially cichlids, making the lake internationally significant for freshwater biodiversity.
The country’s national parks and wildlife reserves are home to elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, lions and numerous bird species.
Malawi Today
Malawi remains one of the world’s lower-income countries and is working to transform its economy through agriculture commercialization, industrialization and urbanization. The government launched Malawi 2063, a long-term development vision aimed at transforming the country into a wealthy, self-reliant and industrialized upper-middle-income nation.
In summary, Malawi is a landlocked southeastern African country distinguished by Lake Malawi, diverse cultures, extensive agricultural activity, mountainous landscapes and a relatively peaceful political history since independence.