Malawi

Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania to the north, Zambia to the west, Mozambique to the east and south, and Lake Malawi delineates its eastern edge. The capital is Lilongwe, while Blantyre and Mzuzu are among the largest urban centers.

Historically known as Nyasaland, it became independent from the United Kingdom in 1964. It spent several decades under one-party rule led by Hastings Kamuzu Banda and transitioned to multi-party democracy in 1994.

Lake Malawi, also called Lake Nyasa, occupies a long east-facing basin and hosts high biodiversity. The country has a tropical climate with a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The terrain consists of highlands and plateaus with few arable plains.

Malawi's economy is predominantly agricultural, employing a large portion of the workforce. Tobacco is a major export, along with tea and sugar. The country has a small industrial sector and relies on external assistance. Growth is affected by climate variability and other development challenges.

Malawi has a young population, with many people under 25. The official language is English; Chichewa is widely spoken and used in daily life. The majority of Malawians practice Christianity, with smaller Muslim and indigenous communities. Health and education indicators remain modest, and poverty is widespread.