Country Facts

Brief Background on Malawi

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.

From 1994 to 2004, Malawi was ruled by President Dr Bakili Muluzi for two five year terms.

The current President, Dr Bingu wa Mutharika took over the reigns of power following the national elections held in May 2004.

Geography

Longitude & Latitude
13 30 S, 34 00 E

Area
total: 118,480 sq km land: 94,080 sq km water: 24,400 sq km

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

People & Culture

Ethnic Groups
Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde

Languages
English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages important regionally

Government

Political/Government Structure
multiparty democracy

Economy

Economy
The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounted for nearly 40% of GDP and 88% of export revenues in 2001. The performance of the tobacco sector is key to short-term growth as tobacco accounts for over 50% of exports.