Malawi Facts: Learn About This Landlocked Country In Africa

Malawi is a landlocked country with a small population in southern Africa.

This small country in southeast Africa has most of the population depending on agriculture. Also, its rich undisturbed natural beauty with evergreen forests and highland areas is bountiful with wildlife, and a wide variety of fauna attracts tourists from across the world.

Malawian population is seen in largely residing in rura areas, while only some percentage of them prefer urban areas. Malawi's economy and economic growth depend on Malawi's exports and imports, with many food and beverage factories coming up based on fresh fruits and vegetables available here.

Climate Of Malawi

Malawi has a tropical climate. The altitudes of Malawi moderate the temperature of this equatorial region and the climate is humid. A vast reserve of flood plains and wetland swamps, swaying grass fields and baobab groves, Malawi is a picture of the beautiful backcountry of east Africa. With Lake Malawi or Lake Nyasa, the third largest lake in Africa in the Great Rift Valley in northern Malawi and the plateaus rising above sea level, and Shire river in the south, the temperatures are moderate in Malawi.

Rains and thunderstorms are common in this country between November and April. Temperatures reach 86°F (30°C) in the summer in Lower Shire Valley. From July, the temperatures drop, and nights become chilly, especially in Mulanje and Nyika. These temperature variations are felt much less in the Karonga region.

Interestingly, the wet season is hotter than the dry season. The altitudes serve as breathers, and at about 3280.8 ft (1000 m) of altitude above sea level, the climate is much more pleasant as compared to the plains in the southern parts of the country.

But again, there are heavy rains, and the country suffers from floods. Southern Malawi is the most affected, and 2015 was the most devastating year with over three and a half million people getting displaced, many killed, and many hectares of crops being damaged.

Tourist Attractions In Malawi

Malawi attracts snorkelers, kayakers, and wildlife lovers from around the world. The lands of Tanzania, the Great Rift Valley, and Lake Malawi also attract mountaineers. Along the Shire River, safaris are plentiful and holidaying is the greatest tourist attraction in the Liwonde National Park with quintessential African wildlife attraction and diverse fauna, including huge waxy orchids.

Kasungu National Park, with sporadic miombo woodland and dusty plains, was once a haven for African elephants. The mosaic of swaying savannah and bush is still an attraction of ecotourism. Lilongwe, with its one million population and well-kept Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, is the economic and political hub to explore. They have freshly harvested tobacco and bars serving locally brewed Carlsberg. Blantyre city, with its historical structures, attracts tourists while also giving a glimpse of the country's economy for those interested in the Malawi stock exchange.

With the relics of old missionary settlements to see, Lake Malawi National Park, the great safari lodges on the reserve’s various islands attract nature lovers and history buffs. Karonga boosts the fossils of huge Malawisaurus which remain exhibited in Malawi.

Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve, the region's highest mountain at 9842.5 ft (3000 m), gives tourists breathtaking views of its woodlands hosting the endangered African cypress trees. Likoma Island, with its unspoiled coastline in the waters of Lake Malawi, attracts tourists around the year who visit the cathedral town to enjoy the picturesque view it has to offer in its crystal clear shore waters.

Historians love to visit Mangochi to see the history it offers. Be it the World War II fame great Hotchkiss gun that sank the German Naval ship Hermann von Wissmann or the colonial clock tower built under the reign of Queen Victoria.

Economy Of Malawi

Malawi's economy has been improving at a not-so-steady phase since its independence in 1964. Malawi lies much below the average economic ranking or score in the world or region. The majority of the population depends on agriculture, and half of the population still lives below the poverty line.

Major exports of Malawi are raw fruits and vegetables, tobacco, tea, and sugar. Blantyre has many food factories, including Universal industries, Carlsberg, and many others.

The judiciary and record-keeping systems are yet to be established properly. The government is putting efforts into increasing fiscal health but it has shown no visible improvement over the past few years. Though monetary freedom is transparent on paper, the ground reality is quite different, with business disputes and a lack of skilled and semi-skilled workers adding to this problem.

Underdeveloped investment framework, delayed bureaucratic decision-making, and no clear financing system are major backlogs of Malawi's economy. 2014 World Bank figures show that only 12% of the population has access to electricity. Four pharmaceutical companies' timber production factories are of little help to the economy. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank are trying to revive Malawi's economy, but government integrity is necessary. South Africa and Zimbabwe have given duty-free entry to Malawian products.

Population And Culture Of Malawi

The population of Malawi is about 20 million. And as we mentioned earlier, most of these people depend on agriculture. Also about half of the population lives below the poverty line. The country got its freedom in 1964, and the country's people are bringing in slow but steady reforms for a better future.

This country has a very big mixed bag of ethnic cultures. About 10 of them are recognized, and Chewa is the most populous tribe. Other famous tribes are Sena, Nyanja, Yao, Lomwe, Ngonde, Tumbuka, Tonga, Ngoni, and the Lambya or Nyiha.

People are very well known for their friendly and welcoming nature. The tranquil laidback lifestyle of the Malawi people is comfortable, with a majority of the population enjoying the freedom to follow their traditions and culture. People follow different religions like Christianity and Islam. Malawi people mutually respect and retain their traditions and culture.

FAQs

What are five facts about Malawi?

Malawi is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It is surrounded by land on all its sides. The majority of the population depends on agriculture. This country promotes tourism based on its abundant natural resources. This country got its freedom about half a century ago and is making steady growth, despite the prevailing poverty. Lake Malawi is an asset to the country and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What type of government does Malawi have?

Technically, in Malawi, political parties or the government work under the presidential representation of a democratic republic. This means a multi-party system under the president's rule, who is the head of both state and government, exists. Earlier, Malawi was under one-party rule, and the then-president was Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

Which countries border Malawi?

One of the southern African countries, Malawi shares its borders with the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique. The landlocked country has Lake Malawi to its east.

What kind of economy does Malawi have?

The economy and the economic system in Malawi are constantly changing towards betterment. Capitalism, as well as social market economy together, form a hybrid sort of economic system. The government is trying its best to improve the country's economy by encouraging foreign investments. Still, bureaucratic delays, and a lack of judiciary and record-keeping systems are areas that need focus. Exports, imports, consumption, and manufacturing need to be streamlined for a better economic base.

How much money does Malawi have?

Malawi has an economy that depends on agriculture. Despite constant efforts from the government, it is one of the poorest countries in the world. More than half of the population in this country lives below the poverty line. Economic reforms and external help are yielding a few positive signs vis-a-vis the country's overall financial health.

What problems do citizens face in Malawi?

First and foremost, Malawi citizens live in poverty. They lack skills or organized training. With high mortality and morbidity, this country suffers from low income. AIDS epidemic, poor health infrastructure, malnutrition, and reduced life expectancy pull down the strength of the population. Not to mention racism, other inequalities, and social evils disrupt the stability of the society. The citizens of Malawi suffer from an improper judiciary system and a lack of enforcement of laws.

What is happening in Malawi?

Malawi had been under the presidential rule of a single-party system since its independence. With the multi-party democratic ruling in place since the 1994 elections, this country is considerably free of any conflicts. The government is reforming economic laws to encourage investments and boost the tourism sector utilizing its abundant natural resources and wildlife.

What is unique about Malawi?

Lake Malawi National Park in Malawi was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. This lake is famous for its crystal clear water and undisturbed coastline. The unspoiled waters of the lake have many endemic fish species in them. Tranquil islands and welcoming people make the lake a perfect tourist destination.

How old is Malawi?

It is said that the migrating Bantu groups first settled in Malawi region in the 10th century. British colonialism took over this landlocked country and it was called British Central Africa. The land later came to be known as Nyasaland, named after Nyasa Lake, another name for Malawi Lake. In later years, this region became a part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland until it became an independent country in 1964 as Malawi.

What is the capital of Malawi?

The capital city of Malawi country is Zombo. Under the foothills of the Shire Highlands, this city has a rich colonial history to its credit, and the same is reflected in the city's architecture.

What is the religion in Malawi?

According to a survey, most of the population here follows Christianity as their religion of belief. At the same time, there are Muslim-dominated areas in the country. But as such, in the forests and savannah, some tribes follow their own traditions.