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Malawi
Africa
Known as the "Warm Heart of Africa," Malawi is famous for Lake Malawi, which covers much of its eastern border. The economy is largely agricultural.
22,000,000
Population
118,484
Area (km²)
Lilongwe
Capital
20
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
20 Events
September 16, 2025 - Malawians vote in presidential elections amid economic turmoil, with former President Peter Mutharika challenging incumbent Lazarus Chakwera; key issues include drought, inflation, and reform needs.
July 11, 2025 - UNESCO adds Malawian sites to its World Heritage list, boosting cultural recognition.
March 31, 2025 - January–March: El Niño-induced drought worsens, linked to Cyclone Freddy's aftermath, causing crop failures and food shortages; a Drought Flash Appeal seeks aid through April.
March 13, 2025 - Malawi announces withdrawal of its military contingent from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside South Africa and Tanzania.
December 31, 2024 - Throughout the year: The Older Persons Bill is enacted to protect elderly rights; economy grows 1.8% amid severe drought and forex shortages; cholera outbreak persists.
August 21, 2024 - A small plane crashes into Lake Malawi, with a Dutch passenger rescued and two missing.
August 20, 2024 - Malawi receives $11.2 million insurance payout for El Niño-linked drought disaster; MPOX is declared a public health concern.
July 28, 2024 - Key developments reported at Dzaleka Refugee Camp, including forced relocations of refugees and asylum seekers.
June 21, 2024 - Comedian Michael Usi is sworn in as the new vice president.
June 13, 2024 - The Reserve Bank of Malawi licenses PayChangu to pilot a payment gateway, boosting digital finance.
June 12, 2024 - A state funeral is held for the vice president, with 21 days of national mourning declared.
June 10, 2024 - A military plane carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima crashes in Chikangawa Forest, Nkhotabay District, killing all aboard; President Chakwera announces no survivors.
May 16, 2024 - A man in Mponela is convicted of insulting President Chakwera after posting an animated TikTok video of him dancing.
January 01, 2024 - Six older people are killed on witchcraft allegations, continuing a pattern of violence against the elderly.
August 31, 2023 - Throughout the year: At least 22 older people are killed on witchcraft allegations between January and August, per the Malawi Network of Older Persons Organisations; the cholera outbreak, ongoing since 2022, remains the deadliest on record.
July 13, 2023 - Religious leaders march in Lilongwe against same-sex marriage ahead of a constitutional court hearing.
April 13, 2023 - Parliament approves a new defence act, expanding the armed forces by creating a fourth service.
April 11, 2023 - President Lazarus Chakwera pardons 200 prisoners, including a former minister convicted of corruption.
March 01, 2023 - Tropical Cyclone Freddy strikes, becoming one of Africa's deadliest storms; it kills over 1,200 people, displaces 659,000, affects 2.2 million, and devastates crops and livelihoods, exacerbating food insecurity.
January 02, 2023 - Schools in Lilongwe and Blantyre are suspended due to a severe cholera outbreak, which has killed 595 people to date, with 19 deaths on New Year's Eve alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malawi
100 Questions
Malawi is in southeastern Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zambia.
The capital is Lilongwe, located in the central region.
Around 23 million people as of 2025 estimates.
English and Chichewa are official; other local languages include Tumbuka, Yao, and Lomwe.
Subtropical, with a rainy season (November–April) and a dry season (May–October).
The Malawian kwacha (MWK).
Black, red, and green horizontal stripes with a rising sun symbol.
Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Zomba.
On July 6, 1964, from Britain.
Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
Lazarus Chakwera (as of 2025).
A unitary presidential republic.
Chewa, Lomwe, Yao, Tumbuka, Ngoni, and Sena.
Christianity (around 80%), with Islam and traditional beliefs.
Around $15 billion in 2025 estimates.
About $650.
Around 65%.
About 65 years.
Around 3.7 children per woman.
About 65%.
Tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, and macadamia nuts.
Fuel, machinery, vehicles, food, and manufactured goods.
Uranium, coal, limestone, hydropower potential, and fertile land.
Because of the friendliness of its people.
The capital, administrative center, and growing city.
The commercial hub and economic capital.
Largest city in the north, near Lake Malawi.
Former capital and a center of history and education.
Mount Mulanje (3,002 m).
One of Africa’s Great Lakes, known for biodiversity and freshwater fish.
Nsima (maize porridge), beans, vegetables, and fish.
A stiff maize porridge eaten with relishes.
A type of tilapia fish from Lake Malawi, considered a delicacy.
Tea, maize beer, and soft drinks.
Football, netball, athletics, and basketball.
The Flames.
Yes, most recently in 2021.
Not yet.
Esau Kanyenda, John Banda, and Frank Mhango.
Yes, mostly in athletics and swimming.
Gospel, Afro-pop, reggae, and traditional drumming.
Drum-based rhythms, mbira (thumb piano), and call-and-response songs.
Drums, mbira, and xylophones.
Gule Wamkulu (masked dance), Vimbuza (spiritual healing dance), and Chisamba.
Chitenje (colorful fabric wrap) for women and shirts for men.
They are central in farming and markets, though face gender inequality.
Around 60%.
Around 70%.
High, especially among youth.
Around 65%.
Maize, tobacco, tea, cassava, and sugarcane.
Goats, cattle, chickens, and pigs.
Basic and underfunded, with shortages of doctors and equipment.
HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, and cholera.
Around 8% of adults.
High but improving.
Still high, though declining.
“God Bless Our Land of Malawi.”
“Unity and Freedom.”
The African fish eagle.
The African fish eagle (also on the flag).
The lotus.
Elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope.
Liwonde, Nyika Plateau, and Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Elephants, rhinos, and river safaris.
Rolling grasslands, leopards, and birdlife.
A “Big Five” safari destination.
Around 75%, higher than adults.
Around $650 annually.
Declining gradually.
Around 20%, with most people in rural areas.
Mainly subsistence farmers and small traders.
Hydropower, biomass, and imported fuel.
High in hydro, solar, and wind.
Dependence on tobacco and vulnerability to drought.
Corruption and poverty reduction.
Historic colonial ties and aid.
Infrastructure projects and trade.
Supports stability and development.
Provides aid and development programs.
High, especially in food prices.
High, especially in southern regions.
Wood carving, basket weaving, pottery, and masks.
Influential in local governance and culture.
A traditional masked dance performed by the Chewa people.
A healing dance recognized by UNESCO.
Independence Day (July 6), Lake of Stars music festival, and cultural dances.
An international music and arts event held by Lake Malawi.
Around 10% difference.
Around 6 years.
Lower than rural areas.
Fighting HIV/AIDS and improving maternal health.
Overcrowded schools and lack of resources.
Around 5 people per household.
Rapid, with a young population.
Lake Malawi, wildlife, and mountain landscapes.
An island in Lake Malawi, known for beaches and historic churches.
A hiking destination with unique biodiversity.
Challenging, but positive with investment in education, tourism, and energy.
It is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” with rich culture, natural beauty, and resilient people despite poverty.