Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for the friendliness of its people and is dominated by the great Lake Malawi, one of the largest lakes on the continent. The country has a rich culture, diverse wildlife, and a landscape of highlands, plateaus, and rift valley terrain.
- Capital
- Lilongwe
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- Eastern Africa
- Area
- 118,484 km²
- Coordinates
- 13.5° S, 34° E
Country facts
- Lake Malawi holds around 15% of the world's freshwater fish species, making it one of the most biologically diverse lakes on Earth.
- Malawi gained independence from British colonial rule on July 6, 1964.
- The national language, Chichewa, is spoken by the majority of the population alongside English as an official language.
- Malawi's flag features a rising sun, symbolizing the dawn of hope and freedom for the African continent.
- The country is one of the world's leading producers of tea, which is grown in the highland Shire Highlands region.
Capital facts
- Lilongwe became Malawi's official capital in 1975, replacing the former capital Zomba.
- The city is divided into a modern Capital City area for government offices and an older commercial Old Town.
- Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, located in the heart of the city, rehabilitates and protects local wildlife including primates.
- The city sits on the Lilongwe River, from which it takes its name.
- Lilongwe is one of the fastest-growing cities in southern Africa, serving as the country's main political and administrative hub.