Malawi

1891 (December 31, Thursday) – British Protectorate of Nyasaland established

1964 (July 6, Monday) – Independence from Britain

1971 (April 7, Wednesday) – President Hastings Banda assumes absolute power

1994 (May 14, Saturday) – First multiparty elections held, leading to the election of President Bakili Muluzi

2009 (May 19, Tuesday) – President Bingu wa Mutharika wins re-election

2012 (April 5, Thursday) – President Bingu wa Mutharika dies unexpectedly, and Vice President Joyce Banda becomes President

2014 (May 20, Tuesday) – Presidential elections won by Peter Mutharika

2019 (May 21, Tuesday) – Controversial elections; court orders a rerun, and Lazarus Chakwera is elected president

2020 (April 3, Friday) – COVID-19 pandemic hits Malawi, leading to lockdown measures

2021 (January 15, Friday) – Cyclone Chalane hits the southern regions, causing floods and displacement

2022 (March 12, Saturday) – Cyclone Ana causes severe flooding and damage to infrastructure

2024 (March 20, Wednesday) – Floods in the southern regions after continuous heavy rains

Continent: Africa
Location: Southeastern Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia
Capital: Lilongwe
Language: Chichewa (official), English
Currency: Malawian kwacha (MWK)
Population: ~20.8 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2)

Borders: Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia
Landscape: High plateaus, valleys, mountain ranges, and lakes
Major Rivers: Shire River, Ruo River
Major Mountains: Mount Mulanje, Mount Zomba, Nyika Plateau
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Malawi (also known as Lake Nyasa), Lake Chilwa
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Mount Mulanje – 3,002 m (9,849 ft)
Lowest Point: Shire River – 37 m (121 ft)
Climate: Tropical climate with a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October
Geological Features: Rift valley, volcanic landscapes, freshwater lakes

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, and other Bantu-speaking peoples
Religion: Christian (approx. 80%), indigenous beliefs (approx. 10%), Muslim (approx. 10%)
Urban Population: ~18% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~4% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Warm heart of Africa, Lake Malawi, wildlife, music and dance, traditional ceremonies
Cuisine: Nsima (maize porridge), chambo (fish from Lake Malawi), beans, greens
Arts: Traditional music, dancing, arts and crafts, storytelling
Sports: Football (soccer), netball, athletics

Economy Type: Low-income, agrarian-based economy
GDP: Approx. $11 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (tobacco, tea, cotton), manufacturing, mining
Key Exports: Tobacco, tea, sugar, cotton, coffee
Unemployment Rate: ~5.2% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Agriculture-focused economy, with mining and manufacturing in the southern regions

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Lazarus Chakwera (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Lazarus Chakwera (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (National Assembly)
Constitution: In effect since 1995, with amendments in 2010

Lake Malawi: Scuba diving, fishing, beach resorts, wildlife viewing
Mount Mulanje: Hiking, climbing, scenic views, tea plantations
Liwonde National Park: Wildlife safaris, birdwatching, Shire River
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve: Wildlife conservation, game viewing
Zomba Plateau: Hiking, scenic drives, tea plantations
Liwonde National Park: Home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants and hippos