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Malawi

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Malawi is a country located in Southeastern Africa.

Malawi (orthographic projection)
Malawi (orthographic projection)

It is a landlocked nation, which means it has no direct access to an ocean. You can find it sitting near Zambia to the west. To the north and northeast, it shares a border with Tanzania. Mozambique sits to the east, south, and southwest of the country.

Location Malawi AU Africa
Location Malawi AU Africa

The map shows how it fits into this large part of the world. It is a place with many different landscapes and people.

Life in Malawi is often tied to the land and the seasons. Many people live in rural areas and work in agriculture.

Groundnut harvesting in Malawi
Groundnut harvesting in Malawi

They grow important crops like groundnuts to support their families.

Schoolchildren in Malawi
Schoolchildren in Malawi

The population is growing and includes many different groups of people. These groups include native peoples, Asians, and Europeans. Most people follow the Christian faith, and many are Protestant.

The country is also part of many international groups like the United Nations.

The history of this land goes back many centuries. Around the 10th century, the Akafula people settled in the area.

Chongoni Rock-Art Area-110124
Chongoni Rock-Art Area-110124

Later, Bantu groups arrived and formed kingdoms like the Maravi. These kingdoms were very strong during the 16th century. By the mid-1800s, the Indian Ocean slave trade reached its height. Eventually, the British began to rule the area. They first called it the British Central Africa Protectorate in 1891. In 1907, they changed the name to Nyasaland.

Malawi became an independent nation on July 6, 1964.

Stamp British Central Africa 1897 6p
Stamp British Central Africa 1897 6p

This day is celebrated every year as Independence Day. Hastings Banda was a key leader during this time. He served as the first Prime Minister and later the first President. Under his rule, the country became a one-party republic. In 1993, the people voted for a new system with many parties. Since then, Malawi has been a democratic republic with elected leaders.

The National Archives UK - CO 1069-165-9
The National Archives UK - CO 1069-165-9

Today, Malawi has a busy government with many moving parts. The capital city is Lilongwe, which is also the largest city.

Lilongwe (Malawi) - crafts market
Lilongwe (Malawi) - crafts market

Other important cities include Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Zomba. The government is led by a President and a Cabinet. The President and Vice President are elected together every five years. The National Assembly has 193 members who help make laws.

Parliament Building of Malawi
Parliament Building of Malawi

This system helps manage the lives of over 22 million people.

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🖼️ Images & Media (24)
Malawian national anthem.oga
File:Malawi (orthographic projection).svg
Malawi (orthographic projection).svg
File:Location Malawi AU Africa.svg
Location Malawi AU Africa.svg
Malawi - various scenes around the...
File:Chongoni Rock-Art Area-110124.jpg
Chongoni Rock-Art Area-110124.jpg
File:Stamp British Central Africa 1897 6p.jpg
Stamp British Central Africa 1897 6p.jpg
File:The National Archives UK - CO 1069-165-9.jpg
The National Archives UK - CO 1069-165-9.jpg
File:Parliament Building of Malawi.jpg
Parliament Building of Malawi.jpg
File:Diplomatic missions of Malawi.png
Diplomatic missions of Malawi.png
File:Livingstoniamountainsmalawi.jpg
Livingstoniamountainsmalawi.jpg
File:Monoxylon beach Lake Malawi 1557.jpg
Monoxylon beach Lake Malawi 1557.jpg
File:Elephant at Majete wildlife reserve.jpg
Elephant at Majete wildlife reserve.jpg

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