Overview
Malawi, officially the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked country located in Southeast Africa. It shares its borders with Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south, and southwest. Covering an area of approximately 118,484 square kilometers (45,747 square miles), Malawi is home to a population of over 22 million people. Its capital and largest city is Lilongwe, which serves as the country's political and administrative center.
Geography
Malawi's landscape is shaped significantly by its position within the Great Rift Valley, and the country is perhaps best known internationally for Lake Malawi, one of the African Great Lakes that runs along much of its eastern border. The lake and surrounding highlands contribute to a varied topography that includes plateaus, mountains, and valleys. Because Malawi is landlocked, it relies on neighboring countries for access to sea routes, making regional trade and transport links particularly important to its economy and connectivity.
- Bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique
- Total area of roughly 118,484 km² (45,747 sq mi)
- Lake Malawi forms a large part of the country's eastern boundary
- Capital and largest city: Lilongwe
People and Culture
With a population exceeding 22 million, Malawi is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups and traditions. The country is often referred to by the nickname "The Warm Heart of Africa," a reflection of the hospitality and friendliness for which its people are widely known. English and Chichewa are commonly used as official languages, facilitating communication across the country's various regions and communities.
History
Malawi's modern borders and identity were shaped during the colonial era, when the territory was administered by the United Kingdom under the name Nyasaland. The country gained independence in 1964, later adopting the name Malawi and establishing itself as a sovereign republic. Since independence, Malawi has continued to develop its political institutions and infrastructure, with Lilongwe eventually becoming established as the national capital.