Malawi, officially known as the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked country located in southeastern Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania to the north and northeast, Mozambique to the east, south, and southwest, and Zambia to the west. Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa, dominates the eastern part of the country and is a defining feature of Malawi’s geography.
Geography
Climate
Malawi has a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season typically lasts from November to April, bringing heavy rainfall and high humidity, especially in the northern and central regions. The dry season, from May to October, is characterized by clear skies, warm temperatures, and lower humidity levels.
Fauna
Malawi boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various species of antelope. The country’s national parks and wildlife reserves, such as Liwonde National Park and Nyika National Park, offer opportunities for safari adventures and wildlife viewing. Lake Malawi is home to hundreds of species of colorful cichlid fish, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Longest Rivers
The Shire River is the longest river in Malawi, flowing for approximately 402 kilometers (250 miles) from Lake Malawi to the Zambezi River in Mozambique. The Shire River plays a vital role in Malawi’s economy and ecology, supporting agriculture, transportation, and wildlife habitats.
Highest Mountains
Mount Mulanje is the highest peak in Malawi, rising to an elevation of 3,002 meters (9,849 feet) above sea level. Located in the southern part of the country, Mount Mulanje is a popular destination for hiking and mountain climbing, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
History
Prehistory
The area now known as Malawi has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Stone Age. Early inhabitants were hunter-gatherers and later became agriculturalists, cultivating crops such as millet, sorghum, and maize. Ironworking technology arrived in the region around 2,000 years ago, leading to the development of more complex societies.
Bantu Migrations
The Bantu migrations from West Africa began reaching Malawi around 2,000 years ago, bringing with them new agricultural techniques, iron tools, and social structures. These migrations led to the formation of various Bantu-speaking ethnic groups, including the Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, and Yao, who continue to inhabit Malawi today.
Arab and European Contact
Arab traders established trade routes along the eastern coast of Africa, including present-day Malawi, during the medieval period. European explorers, including the Portuguese and British, began arriving in the region in the 16th century, seeking trade routes and resources. The Portuguese established a presence along the coast but did not exert significant influence over the interior.
British Colonial Rule
Malawi, then known as Nyasaland, became a British protectorate in the late 19th century, following the arrival of Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone. The British colonial administration introduced cash crop agriculture, such as tobacco and tea, and built infrastructure such as railways and roads. However, colonial rule also brought exploitation and oppression, leading to resistance and protests among the indigenous population.
Independence and Modern Age
Malawi gained independence from Britain in 1964, with Hastings Banda becoming the country’s first president. The early years of independence were marked by authoritarian rule and political repression. In 1994, Malawi transitioned to multiparty democracy, with Bakili Muluzi becoming the country’s first democratically elected president. Since then, Malawi has made progress in political stability, economic development, and social welfare, although challenges such as poverty, corruption, and healthcare remain.
Demographics
Malawi has a population of approximately 20 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. The majority of the population is of Chewa ethnicity, with significant populations of Nyanja, Tumbuka, and Yao peoples. The official language is English, although Chichewa is widely spoken as a lingua franca. Christianity is the predominant religion, with significant Muslim and indigenous beliefs also practiced.
Administrative Divisions
Malawi is divided into three regions, each further divided into districts.
List of Administrative Divisions with Population
- Northern Region – Population: 3.8 million
- Central Region – Population: 8.4 million
- Southern Region – Population: 7.8 million
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Lilongwe
- Blantyre
- Mzuzu
- Zomba
- Kasungu
- Mangochi
- Karonga
- Salima
- Nkhata Bay
- Balaka
Education Systems
Education in Malawi is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. The country has made significant progress in expanding access to education, with efforts focused on improving literacy rates and gender equality. Malawi has several universities and higher education institutions, including the University of Malawi and Mzuzu University.
Transportation
Malawi has a limited transportation infrastructure, with most travel occurring by road.
Airports
Malawi has several airports, including Lilongwe International Airport, Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, and Mzuzu Airport. These airports serve domestic and international flights, connecting Malawi to destinations within Africa and beyond.
Railways
Malawi has a single railway line, the Central East African Railways, which runs from Nkaya in southern Malawi to the border with Mozambique. The total length of the railway is approximately 797 kilometers (495 miles), providing essential transportation links for passengers and freight.
Highways
Malawi has an extensive network of highways and roads, although many are in poor condition, particularly in rural areas. The country’s main highways connect major cities and towns, facilitating travel and trade across the country.
Ports
Malawi has several ports along Lake Malawi, including Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, and Nkhotakota. These ports serve as important hubs for transportation and trade, connecting landlocked Malawi to the global market through the Zambezi River and Indian Ocean.
Country Facts
- Population: 20 million
- Capital: Lilongwe
- Languages: English, Chichewa
- Religion: Predominantly Christianity, with significant Muslim and indigenous beliefs
- Ethnicity: Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao
- Currency: Malawian kwacha (MWK)
- ISO Country Codes: MW
- International Calling Code: +265
- Top-level Domain: .mw