Malawi
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 21
Currency
💱 Malawian kwacha
Languages
🗣️ Chichewa, English
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 36 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Malawi
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Malawian
Independence
July 6, 1964 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.mw
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+265
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Lilongwe
ISO Alpha-2
MW
ISO Alpha-3
MWI
UN Code
454
Geographic Coordinates
-13.5,34
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
118,484#100 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
21,201,635#63 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
223.85
Highest Point (m)
2,985 meters (Mount Mulanje)
Lowest Point (m)
37 meters (junction with the Shire River)
Land Use
Agricultural land accounts for a significant portion of the country.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 1,000 square kilometers (2012 estimate)
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Tropical; rainy season (November to April); dry season (May to October)
Natural Resources
Limestone, arable land, hydropower, coal
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia
Major Rivers
Shire River (the largest)
Major Lakes
Lake Malawi
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
3 regions and 28 districts
Legal System
Based on English common law and customary law
Chief of State
President Lazarus Chakwera
Head of Government
President Lazarus Chakwera
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the President.
Elections
President and National Assembly elected by popular vote; last held in 2020
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court of Appeal; High Court
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly
Major Political Parties
Malawi Congress Party (MCP); Democratic Progressive Party (DPP); UTM Party
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Malawian kwacha
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
14.92#148 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
42.19#140 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
671.51#204 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
30.03
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
14.3
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
48.66
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
28.37#10 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8,323,726
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
5.07#96 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
61.81
Budget
The annual budget varies; details available from the Malawian government.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.59#161 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.29#146 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves can be found through the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found at major banks and online financial resources.
GDP by Sector
Primarily agriculture, services, and industry.
Major Industries
Agriculture, mining, and tourism.
Major Export Partners
South Africa, Germany, and Zambia.
Major Import Partners
South Africa, China, and India.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
70.15#138 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
31.1
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.3
Net Migration Rate
Around -1 migrant per 1,000 population.
Median Age
Around 18 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
17.59#211 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Around 4% annual rate of change.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
67.6#168 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Around 8-10% (adult prevalence rate).
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
6.53
Ethnic Groups
Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, and others.
Religions
Christianity (predominant), Islam, and indigenous beliefs.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Chichewa, English
Education
Education System
Malawi's education system is structured into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
10.9
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education accounts for approximately 16-20% of the national budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Malawi and Mzuzu University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Malawi's culture is rich and diverse, influenced by various ethnic groups and traditions. Music, dance, and storytelling are important aspects of Malawian life.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- John Chilembwe Day (2026-01-15)
- Martyrs' Day (2026-03-03)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- President Kamuzu Banda's Birthday (2026-05-14)
- Independence Day (2026-07-06)
- Mother's Day (2026-10-15)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
- Boxing Day (2026-12-28)
Popular Music
Popular music styles include Afro-pop, gospel, and traditional music.
Traditional Food
Nsima (a maize-based staple) is a core component of traditional Malawian food, often served with relish and meat.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, followed by netball.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Lake of Stars Music Festival and the Sand Music Festival.
Famous People
Famous people include John Chilembwe (national hero) and William Kamkwamba (inventor).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Malawi has numerous cultural heritage sites, reflecting its diverse traditions and history.
UNESCO Sites
Malawi has one UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lake Malawi National Park.
Annual Tourist Visits
Around 800,000 annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Growing tourism sector, focusing on natural beauty and wildlife.
Top Tourist Attractions
Lake Malawi, wildlife reserves (Liwonde, Majete), Mount Mulanje.
Famous Cities
Lilongwe (capital), Blantyre.
National Parks
Liwonde National Park, Kasungu National Park.
Protected Areas
Significant protected areas for biodiversity conservation.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary; check specific country regulations.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise a high degree of caution due to crime and malaria risk.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index varies; further details available through WHO data.
Medical Cost
Medical costs can vary; further details available through local healthcare providers.
Number of Hospitals
Information on the number of hospitals can be found on the Ministry of Health website.
Universal Healthcare
Malawi's healthcare system is primarily public, but access and quality are limited.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, but can be limited in some areas; services include public and private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is available, but may vary depending on location; ambulance services are available in urban areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 997.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for an ambulance is 998.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for fire services is 999.
Crime Rate
Crime rates in Malawi are moderate, with petty theft and property crimes being relatively common.
Safety Index
The safety index for Malawi is moderate, with some areas being safer than others.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure is a relatively small percentage of the national budget.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, but response times can vary depending on location.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Malawi's military consists of the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is limited, especially in rural areas, with approximately 15-20% access.
Water Access
Access to clean water varies by region, with a higher percentage in urban areas.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is a challenge, especially in rural areas, with low coverage.
Railways
Malawi has a limited railway network primarily used for freight transport.
Roadways
The road network is extensive, but many roads are unpaved.
Transportation System
The transportation system primarily relies on roads and public transportation.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Chileka International Airport (BLZ), Kamuzu International Airport (LLW), Dwangwa Airport (DWA), Karonga Airport (KGJ), Mzuzu Airport (ZZU)
Ports
Malawi is a landlocked country, but it has ports on Lake Malawi.
Public Transit
Public transit is available in the form of minibuses and buses.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
18.96#193 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Approximately 60 per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Nascent tech startup ecosystem.
Innovation Index
Low ranking on global innovation indices.
ICT Development Index
Low ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited number of TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.22#178 of 202
Air Quality Index
Limited data; air pollution from deforestation and vehicle emissions.
Water Pollution Level
Moderate; pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and sewage.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing; focus on hydropower and solar, but still a small percentage of total energy.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and climate change impacts.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, floods, and earthquakes.
Waste Management
Poor; inadequate waste collection and disposal systems.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in various countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth, African Union
Major Treaties
Participates in major international treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Malawi citizens can travel visa-free to a number of countries, primarily in Africa.