History of Malawi:
The land of Malawi has been inhabited for thousands of years by humans. The first Europeans to arrive here were the Portuguese in the 16th century. However, David Livingstone only arrived in 1859 and made the first important contact. Churches and missions were soon established in the area in the hope of ending the slave trade.
In 1891, the country became a British protectorate. It is called Nyasaland. Malawi became an independent country in 1964. The country was ruled for 30 years by President Hasting Kamuzu Banda.
Information about Malawi:
| Capital | Lilongwe |
| Population | 21,030,374 (Source: 2023 worldometer) |
| Major Cities | Lilongwe (capital), Blantyre, Mzuzu, Zomba, Kasungu, Mangochi, Karonga, Salima, Nkhotakota |
| Borders | Zambia, the United Republic of Tanzania and Mozambique |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $13,164,667,627 (2022 worldometer) |
| Currency | Malawian kwacha (MWK) |
Flag of Malawi:
Malawi Economy Key Industries:
Malawi Major Industries: tobacco, tea, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods
Malawi Agricultural Products: tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (tapioca), sorghum, pulses, groundnuts, Macadamia nuts; cattle, goats
Malawi Natural Resources: limestone, arable land, hydropower, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxite
Malawi Major Exports: tobacco 60%, tea, sugar, cotton, coffee, peanuts, wood products, apparel
Malawi Major Imports: food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation equipment
The Geography of Malawi:
Total Size of Malawi: 118,480 km² (source: wikipedia)
Geographical Low Point of Malawi: junction of the Shire River and international boundary with Mozambique 37 m
Geographical High Point of Malawi: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m
Climate of Malawi: sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)
General Terrain of Malawi: narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains
World Region or Continent of Malawi: Africa
Geographical Coordinates: 13 30 S, 34 00 E
The People of Malawi & Culture
Malawi Government Type: multiparty democracy
Malawi Nationality: Malawian(s)
Malawi National Holiday: Independence Day (Republic Day), 6 July (1964)
Malawi Independence: 6 July 1964 (from UK)
Malawi National Symbol:
Malawi National Anthem or Song: Mulungu dalitsa Malawi (Oh God Bless Our Land of Malawi)
Malawi Languages Spoken: Chichewa 57.2% (official), Chinyanja 12.8%, Chiyao 10.1%, Chitumbuka 9.5%, Chisena 2.7%, Chilomwe 2.4%, Chitonga 1.7%, other 3.6% (1998 census)
Malawi Religions: Christian 79.9%, Muslim 12.8%, other 3%, none 4.3% (1998 census)
Interesting Facts about Malawi:
Lake Malawi is a magical lake in the country. It is called Ho Lich for a very interesting and mysterious reason. The lake is very similar to the annual calendar. The lake has a length of 365 miles, the widest point is 52 miles, there are 12 large rivers flowing into the lake, so it is called Ho Lich.
Malawi is home to more fish species than any other lake on the planet. This mysterious lake was once called the “Lake of the Stars” by the famous Scottish explorer David Livingstone because the lanterns he saw from fishing boats resembled the stars at night.
Malawi is the first country outside of Denmark to have a Carlsberg brewery. The factory was opened in 1968. The Danish Foreign Minister did not like the beer he was served during his visit to the country and therefore made a proposal to open a factory in Malawi.
Chambo fish is one of Malawi’s favorite delicacies. This fish is found only in Malawi and is endangered due to overfishing and climate change.
Malawi is an agricultural country and its main exports are tea and tobacco. “Chai and Sutta” is a common phrase we hear and Malawi excels at both. Tobacco accounts for 50% of the country’s total export turnover. It is called “green gold” in Malawi. Malawi tobacco is found in most blends of tobacco, including well-known names like Marlboro and Camel.
The largest elephant transport in history took place in Malawi. In 2017, 520 elephants were successfully relocated from two national parks in Malawi; Majete and Liwonde, in Nkhotakota.
Nkhotakota National Park has suffered a severe decline in elephants and other wildlife due to poaching. This transfer of elephants is intended to contribute to the rehabilitation of the park’s population.
Malawi is one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. Many countries on the continent are notorious for violence and crime and many people shy away from traveling, especially alone. But locals and visitors feel safe in Malawi.
Malawi’s wildlife is quite impressive. While most people focus on the Big Five, the Little Five of the new country will captivate you. These are elephant shrews, buffalo weavers, leopard tortoises, lion ants and rhinoceros beetles.