# Malawi

> sovereign state in Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q1020](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1020)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malawi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/malawi

## Summary
Malawi is a sovereign state in Africa, officially known as the Republic of Malawi. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. The capital and largest city is Lilongwe, while the former capital was Zomba.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Republic of Malawi
- **Area**: 118,484 square kilometres
- **Capital**: Lilongwe (since 1975)
- **Former Capital**: Zomba (1880–1975)
- **Independence Date**: July 6, 1964
- **Population**: 18,622,104 (2017), 17,563,749 (2018 census)
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -13°, Longitude 34°
- **Continent**: Africa
- **Bordering Countries**: Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia
- **Highest Point**: Mulanje Massif (3,002 metres)
- **Lowest Point**: Shire River (37 metres)
- **Timezone**: UTC+02:00 (Africa/Blantyre)
- **National Flag**: Flag of Malawi
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Malawi
- **Anthem**: "Mulungu dalitsa Malaŵi" (Chewa) and "Chiuta dangililani Malaŵi" (Tumbuka)
- **Motto**: "Unity and Freedom"
- **National Language**: English, Chewa, Tumbuka
- **Currency**: Malawian kwacha (since 1971)
- **Driving Side**: Left-hand traffic
- **Electricity**: 230 volts, 50 Hz (BS 1363 plug type)
- **Emergency Number**: 999 (fire), 998 (medical), 997 (police)
- **International Calling Code**: +265
- **Internet TLD**: .mw
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: MW, Alpha-3: MWI, Numeric: 454
- **M49 Code**: 454
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 655
- **Mobile Country Code**: 650

## FAQs
**What type of government does Malawi have?**
Malawi is a republic with a presidential system of government. The President of Malawi serves as both the head of state and head of government. The current president is Lazarus Chakwera, who assumed office on June 28, 2020.

**What is Malawi's current population and demographic profile?**
As of 2018, Malawi's population is approximately 17.56 million. The population is relatively young, with a median age of around 18 years. The country has a high fertility rate of 6.3 births per woman, contributing to its growing population.

**What are Malawi's economic indicators?**
Malawi's nominal GDP was $12.6 billion in 2021. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 38.5 (2019). The unemployment rate is 8% (2014). The VAT rate is 16.5%.

**What international organizations is Malawi a member of?**
Malawi is a member of the United Nations (since December 1, 1964), Commonwealth of Nations (since 1964), African Union, World Trade Organization (since May 31, 1995), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, African Development Bank, United Nations–African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Interpol (since August 31, 1966), Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (since July 11, 1998), UNESCO (since October 27, 1964), Southern African Development Community, Universal Postal Union UPU (since October 25, 1966), International Telecommunication Union (since February 19, 1965), World Meteorological Organization (since February 15, 1965), World Health Organization, World Customs Organization (since June 6, 1966), Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and African Continental Free Trade Area.

**What is Malawi's human development status?**
Malawi's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.512 (2021), classified as "medium human development." The Inequality-adjusted HDI is 0.377 (2021). Life expectancy at birth is 63.2 years (2016).

**What are Malawi's major holidays and public celebrations?**
Public holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Independence Day (July 6), Christmas (December 25), and Easter. Other notable celebrations include the Harvest Festival and the Malawi Independence Day.

**What administrative divisions does Malawi have?**
Malawi is divided into three regions: Central Region, Northern Region, and Southern Region. Each region has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

**What is Malawi's relationship with neighboring countries?**
Malawi shares borders with Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. It has diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Australia, Israel, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Malaysia, Taiwan, Zambia, United States, People's Republic of China, Bangladesh, Germany, North Korea, and Kosovo. The country has a complex history of colonialism and post-independence relations with its neighbors.

## Why It Matters
Malawi matters as a developing country in Africa with significant economic and social challenges. The country has made progress in recent years, with improvements in human development indicators and economic growth. However, it continues to face issues such as poverty, inequality, and political instability. Malawi's significance lies in its role as a member of major international organizations and its commitment to regional cooperation and development. The country's approach to governance, education, and healthcare has influenced its development trajectory and regional impact.

## Notable For
- **Economic Growth**: Malawi has experienced economic growth in recent years, with a nominal GDP of $12.6 billion in 2021.
- **Human Development**: Malawi has a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.512 (2021), classified as "medium human development."
- **Political Stability**: Malawi has a stable political system with a presidential form of government.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Malawi has a rich cultural heritage, with contributions to literature, music, and sports.
- **Environmental Conservation**: Malawi is home to Lake Malawi, one of the world's largest freshwater lakes, and has efforts to protect its natural resources.
- **Education and Healthcare**: Malawi has made progress in education and healthcare, with improvements in access and quality.
- **Regional Cooperation**: Malawi is a member of the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, contributing to regional cooperation and development.

## Body

### History and Independence
Malawi's path to sovereignty began with its independence from the United Kingdom on July 6, 1964. The country emerged from the British Central Africa Protectorate, which had been established in the late 19th century. The Declaration of Independence was formalized following negotiations between the United Kingdom and Malawi, with the Treaty of Zanzibar establishing the country's boundaries.

Prior to independence, the territory was known as Nyasaland and was under British colonial rule. The country's name derives from Lake Malawi, which forms part of its southern border with Mozambique and Tanzania.

### Geography and Environment
Malawi occupies a territory of 118,484 square kilometres in southeastern Africa. The country lies at coordinates latitude -13° and longitude 34°, placing it entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. The landscape is characterized by highlands, plateaus, and lowlands, with the highest point being Mulanje Massif (3,002 metres).

The country shares its borders with Mozambique to the east, Tanzania to the northeast, and Zambia to the west. The southern and eastern coasts border Lake Malawi, with the lowest point at the Shire River (37 metres). The easternmost point is located at coordinates lat: -14.8954, lon: 35.9185, while the westernmost point is at lat: -13.6208, lon: 32.6725. The northernmost point is at lat: -9.37, lon: 33, and the southernmost point has coordinates of lat: -17.1295, lon: 35.0973.

The country is located within the East African Rift System and is named after Lake Malawi, one of the world's largest freshwater lakes. Other significant water bodies include the Shire River, which bisects the country, and numerous smaller rivers and streams. The climate is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons.

### Government and Politics
Malawi operates as a republic with a presidential system of government. The President serves as both head of state and head of government, currently Lazarus Chakwera, who assumed office on June 28, 2020. The executive body is the Cabinet of Malawi.

The legislative body is the National Assembly, a unicameral parliament consisting of 193 members. The highest judicial authority is the Supreme Court of Malawi.

The country's political system is characterized by a strong tradition of democratic governance, with multiple political parties competing in regular elections. Malawi's democracy index score of 5.74 (2020) places it among the most democratic nations in Africa.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2018, the population is approximately 17.56 million. The population has grown from approximately 3.5 million in 1964 to over 17.5 million in 2018, with urban population of approximately 3.67 million versus rural population of approximately 13.89 million in 2018.

The society is highly urbanized, with the urban population reaching 3.67 million in 2018 compared to a rural population of 13.89 million. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 63.2 years (2016). The birth rate is 33.6 per 1,000 people (2019), and the death rate is 6.6 per 1,000 people (2019). The total fertility rate is 6.3 births per woman (2014).

The official languages are English, Chewa, and Tumbuka. Compulsory education begins at age 5 and continues until age 16. The age of majority is 18. The preferred retirement age is 60 years.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy is characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs. The nominal GDP was $12.6 billion in 2021. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 38.5 (2019). The unemployment rate is 8% (2014). The VAT rate is 16.5%.

The currency is the Malawian kwacha (since 1971), replacing the Malawian pound (1964–1971). The Reserve Bank of Malawi serves as the central bank. The median income is approximately $200. Individual income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 20% to 35% (2019 figures).

Infrastructure includes a left-hand traffic system. Speed limits vary by road type: 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on two-lane expressways, 80 km/h on paved rural roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electrical system operates at 230V and 50Hz using BS 1363 plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Malawi maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Australia, Israel, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Malaysia, Taiwan, Zambia, United States, People's Republic of China, Bangladesh, Germany, North Korea, and Kosovo. It is a member of the United Nations (since December 1, 1964), Commonwealth of Nations (since 1964), African Union, World Trade Organization (since May 31, 1995), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, African Development Bank, United Nations–African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Interpol (since August 31, 1966), Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (since July 11, 1998), UNESCO (since October 27, 1964), Southern African Development Community, Universal Postal Union UPU (since October 25, 1966), International Telecommunication Union (since February 19, 1965), World Meteorological Organization (since February 15, 1965), World Health Organization, World Customs Organization (since June 6, 1966), Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and African Continental Free Trade Area.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag is the Flag of Malawi. The coat of arms is the Coat of arms of Malawi. The anthem is the National Anthem of Malawi. The motto is "Unity and Freedom."

Cultural highlights include the historic capital of Lilongwe, one of Africa's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. The country is also known for its contributions to literature, music, and sports, with Lilongwe serving as a cultural hub for the region.

### Administrative Divisions
Malawi is divided into three regions: Central Region, Northern Region, and Southern Region. Each region has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .mw top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +265. The maritime identification digits are 655. The mobile country code is 650.

The ISO codes are Alpha-2: MW, Alpha-3: MWI, Numeric: 454. The M49 code is 454. The emergency numbers are 999 (fire), 998 (medical), and 997 (police). The timezone is UTC+02:00 (Africa/Blantyre).

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/malawi)
2. [Source](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27648964)
3. [Source](http://www.statoids.com/umw.html)
4. [Encyclopædia Britannica Online](https://www.britannica.com/place/Lilongwe)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. BnF authorities
7. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2021e/africa)
8. Lingua Libre
9. [Source](https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/malawi)
10. [Source](https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/malawi_e.htm)
11. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Development_Bank)
12. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
13. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Africa/MALAWI)
14. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
15. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/malawi)
16. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
17. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=185)
18. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
19. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/malawi)
20. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
21. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
22. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Continental_Free_Trade_Area#List_of_signatories_and_parties_to_the_agreement)
23. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
26. FIPS 10-4
27. MusicBrainz
28. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
29. World Bank Open Data
30. [World Bank Open Data](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL)
31. 2018 Census of Malawi
32. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
33. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
34. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
35. The National Terminology Database for Irish
36. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
37. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
38. [Source](https://dbpedia.org/page/Malawi)
39. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
40. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
41. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
42. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
43. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)
44. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
45. UMLS 2023
46. English as a Global Language, second edition
47. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
48. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
49. Enciclopedia Treccani
50. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=239)