Fast Facts
Official name: Republic of Malawi
Form of State: Multiparty Democracy
Area: 118,500 square kilometres
Population: 21.5 million (May 2024, UNFPA)
Official language: English
National Language: Chichewa
Religion: Christianity, Islam
Time Zone: GMT+2
Currency: MW Kwacha
GDP per Capita: USD 480.73 (May 2024 - source IMF)
About Malawi
Malawi, known as the "Warm Heart of Africa," is located in South-Eastern Africa, bordering Mozambique to the east and southwest, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Zambia to the west and northwest. The country has a rich and vibrant cultural history and a strong tradition of democracy. It became an independent state in 1964 and a republic two years later.
The country has enjoyed more than 50 years of peaceful independence. It is a thriving democracy, having successfully transitioned from singular to plural politics in 1993. Malawi demonstrated its stability after the presidential election was rerun in 2020 when all political actors accepted the opposition win and power was transferred peacefully.
Economy
In terms of economy, Malawi’s mainstay is agriculture which contributes around 30 percent to the Gross Domestic Product. The country is currently diversifying away from agriculture and in recent years policy has been towards implementing strategies to improve industrialisation and the provision of incentives for increased private sector investments.
Malawi produces a wide range of export products with tobacco, tea, and sugar as the traditional export products accounting for over 80% of Malawi’s domestic exports. However, as a result of export diversification, a number of non-traditional products have been developed for export.
Tourism
Malawi boasts of beautiful landscapes, variety of wildlife and a rich and diverse culture. From the tip of Lake Malawi through the exciting towns and cities, to the peak of Mulanje Mountain, tourists and businesspeople are constantly flooding the country all year round.
Lake Malawi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist destination for snorkelling, and relaxation.
International Relations
Malawi maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries and is a member of regional organizations such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), among others.