Malawi Overview

Malawi is located in southern Africa and borders Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. On the border between Malawi and Tanzania is the 580-kilometer-long Lake Malawi, the world’s ninth largest lake.

Capital: Lilongwe
Biggest city: Lilongwe
State: republic
Language: chichewa, English
Religion: Christianity, Islam
Surface: 118,480 km²
Population: 16.3 million (2013)
Population density: 127 residents per km²
Life expectancy: 50 year
Illiteracy: 37%
Currency: Malawian kwacha (MWK)
1 kwacha = 0.01 kr
GDP per capita: $ 900 (2010)
Time difference: +1 hour
Electricity: 230/240 V AC, 50Hz
National Day: 6 July
Country area code: 265
2-Letter country abbreviation: MW (See more abbreviations on Abbreviationfinder)
Business: agriculture 82%, service sector 16%, industry 5%
Climate: tropical, with rainy season from November to April

Malawi flag

Between the late 15th and early 18th centuries, the Maravi Empire spread across present-day Malawi. The Maravirik had contact with the sea through present-day Mozambique, and traded with both Arab and Portuguese seafarers. Slave trade and strife weakened the empire during the 18th century. The remnants of the empire were ruled by alternate Angonian and Ayao rulers, as well as by Arab trading colonies.

In 1891, the area became a British protectorate, first under the name British Central African Protectorate, then Nyasaland Protectorate and Nyasaland. During the years 1953-1963, the then Nyasaland was part of the Central African Federation together with the colonies of Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).

In 1964, the area became the independent state of Malawi. For 30 years, the country was ruled by a single party under President Hastings Banda. The first free elections were held in 1994.

Malawi is one of the least developed countries in the world. Agriculture is the most important industry. 90 percent of the population is dependent on agriculture.

WORLD HERITAGE

The following objects in Malawi are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The year in which the item was added to the list is indicated in parentheses.

  • Malawi National Park (1984)
  • Rock paintings in the Chongoni Forest Reserve (2006)

ELECTRICAL OUTLET

Electricity and electrical outlets in Malawi

Voltage: 230 V

Frequency: 50 Hz

Type of plug: G

Need an adapter: Yes, Swedes need an adapter.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Weather in Lilongwe

Climate Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Christmas Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average temperature °C 21 21 21 20 17 15 15 17 19 22 23 22
Rain (mm) 208 199 132 39 6 1 1 2 1 8 66 178

Malawi 2

Blantyre

Blantyre is a city in southern Malawi, located in the Shire Highlands, with 661,444 residents (2008). It is the country’s economic center, and was merged in 1956 with the neighboring town of Limbe. The explorer David Livingstones was born in Blantyre.

Lilongwe

According to Countryaah, Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi, and has 669,021 residents (2008). It is located in central Malawi, west of Lake Malawi and close to the border with Mozambique and Zambia. The city is the most important place for the northern and central parts of the country.

The city has two centers: Old City, with the local service and transport functions, and Capital Hill, where the government buildings and embassies are located.

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