Malawi

East Africa

Malawi is a country in East Africa, home to 21.3 million people, with an area of 118,484 km². Its capital is Lilongwe.

Capital: Lilongwe
Population: 21.3 million
Area: 118,484 km²
Region: East Africa
Density: 180 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Malawi · East Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Malawi is known for

Malawi is best known for Lake Malawi, Nyika National Park and Liwonde National Park.

Malawi is a landlocked country located in southeastern Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast and Mozambique to the east, south, and west. The capital city is Lilongwe.

Malawi at a glance

Language: English and Chichewa are the official languages, with other indigenous languages also spoken
Currency: Malawian kwacha (MWK)
Religion: Christianity is the predominant religion in Malawi, but Islam and traditional religions are also practiced
National dish: Nsima (a maize-based porridge) served with various relishes such as meat, fish, or vegetables
Climate: Malawi has a subtropical climate with a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The country is prone to periodic droughts and floods
Main industries: Agriculture, including tobacco, tea, sugar, and cotton production; mining, including uranium and coal; and tourism
GDP: $7.64 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Malawi is considered one of the least developed countries in the world, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 175 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Malawi

Some of the main tourist attractions in Malawi include:

Lake Malawi a freshwater lake that stretches along most of Malawi's eastern border and is home to numerous fish species, including the colorful cichlids.
Nyika National Park a high-altitude national park known for its unique flora and fauna, including zebras, antelopes, and leopards.
Liwonde National Park a national park located along the Shire River and known for its large elephant population and diverse birdlife.
Mulanje Mountain the highest mountain in Malawi, with numerous hiking trails and stunning views.
Cape Maclear a beach town on the southern end of Lake Malawi that offers swimming, snorkeling, and diving opportunities.
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve a wildlife reserve located on the banks of the Bua River and known for its large herds of elephants and buffaloes.
Dedza Pottery a pottery workshop in central Malawi that produces traditional ceramics using local materials and techniques.
Chongoni Rock Art Area a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features rock paintings and engravings dating back to the Stone Age.
Kasungu National Park a national park located in central Malawi that is home to various wildlife species, including lions, hyenas, and zebras.
Zomba Plateau a forested plateau located in southern Malawi with scenic hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Malawi has to offer. The country is also known for its friendly people, colorful markets, and vibrant cultural traditions.

Malawi in pictures

Malawi on video

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Malawi compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of East Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Zambia	21.3 million	752,612 km²	Lusaka
Malawi	21.3 million	118,484 km²	Lilongwe
Somalia	18.7 million	637,657 km²	Mogadishu
Zimbabwe	16.6 million	390,757 km²	Harare