Malawi Travel Guide

Full Name

Republic of Malawi

Former Name

British Central African Protectorate, Nyasaland Protectorate, Nyasaland

Capital City

Lilongwe

Government Type

multiparty democracy

Climate

sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)

Geography

landlocked; Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country's most prominent physical feature

Languages

Chichewa 57.2% (official), Chinyanja 12.8%, Chiyao 10.1%, Chitumbuka 9.5%, Chisena 2.7%, Chilomwe 2.4%, Chitonga 1.7%, other 3.6% (1998 census)

History

Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution, which came into full effect the following year. Current President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA, elected in May 2004 after the previous president failed to amend the constitution to permit another term, has struggled to assert his authority against his predecessor, who still leads their shared political party. MATHARIKA's anti-corruption efforts have led to several high-level arrests and one prominent conviction. Increasing corruption, population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, and HIV/AIDS pose major problems for the country.

Currency

Malawi Kwacha (MWK)