Malawi

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Stamp British Central Africa 1897 6p

The National Archives UK - CO 1069-165-9

Parliament Building of Malawi

Diplomatic missions of Malawi

Livingstoniamountainsmalawi

Malawi, officially known as the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania to the north and northeast, Mozambique to the east, south, and southwest, and Zambia to the west. The country's landscape is marked by the Great Rift Valley and the highlands, with the Lake Malawi taking up much of its eastern border, making it the third-largest lake in Africa and a vital resource for the country's economy and ecosystem.

Geography

Malawi's geography is diverse, ranging from the highlands of the Nyika Plateau in the north to the Shire River valley in the south that forms part of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, is a significant feature of the country, contributing to its biodiversity and being a major source of livelihood through fishing. The country's climate varies from cool in the highlands to warm around Lake Malawi.

History

The region that is now Malawi has been inhabited for thousands of years, but the modern state traces its origins to the Maravi Kingdom of the 15th century. In the late 19th century, the area came under British colonial rule as the protectorate of Nyasaland. Malawi gained independence from Britain on 6 July 1964. Under the leadership of its first President, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the country was a one-party state until the early 1990s. Following significant domestic and international pressure, Malawi became a multi-party democracy in 1994.

Politics and Government

Malawi is a democratic republic with a multi-party system. The President of Malawi serves as both the head of state and government. The legislative power is vested in a unicameral National Assembly. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Malawi's political landscape has been marked by significant challenges, including corruption, but has also seen peaceful transitions of power through elections.

Economy

The economy of Malawi is heavily based on agriculture, which employs the majority of the population. The main agricultural products include tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, and cassava. However, the country faces challenges such as poor infrastructure, foreign trade deficits, and the impacts of climate change. Malawi is among the world's least developed countries, and its economy is heavily dependent on aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and individual donor nations.

Demographics

Malawi has a diverse population of over 18 million people, comprising various ethnic groups. The Chewa are the largest ethnic group, followed by the Lomwe, Yao, and Tumbuka, among others. English is the official language, and Chichewa is the national language. The majority of the population is Christian, with a significant Muslim minority.

Culture

Malawi's culture is a blend of native African elements and the influence of British colonialism. Traditional music and dances are an important part of Malawian culture, with the Gule Wamkulu, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, being a notable example. The country is also known for its crafts, particularly basketry, mask carving, and oil painting.

Challenges

Malawi faces numerous challenges, including poverty, health issues such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, and environmental concerns like deforestation and water pollution. The government and various international organizations are working to address these issues, but progress is slow.

See Also

• Geography of Malawi
• Politics of Malawi
• Economy of Malawi
• Demographics of Malawi
• Culture of Malawi

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