Category: Malawi

Malawi is a country situated in southeast Africa and the landlocked country is surrounded by Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. Lake Malawi separates the country from Mozambique and Tanzania. The capital of Malawi is Lilongwe and the nation is nicknamed as the Warm Heart of Africa. Malawi was inhabited by hunter gatherers during 10th century and around 1500 AD, a kingdom was established by the tribes. In 1891, the colonial government of Malawi, then called Nyasaland was formed. Malawi gained independence from United Kingdom in the year 1964. After independence, Malawi became single-party state under President Hastings Band who was the president of the country until 1994.

The current President is Peter Mutharika who was elected in the year 2014. The nation is the least developed countries of the world and densely populated. Malawi has democratic government and the government has three branches such as executive power, legislative power and judicial power. Executive power is vested on president, vice presidents and cabinet. President is the head of the government as well as the chief of the state. The legislative power has unicameral National Assembly with 193 members. The economy is mainly depends up on the agriculture and the major industries are tea, sugar, tobacco, cement, consumer goods and sawmill products.

The population of Malawi is more than 18.6 million and the population of Malawi consists of native ethnic groups such as Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Sena, Yao, Lomwe, Chewa, Tumbuka and Nyanja. Other groups are Europeans and Asians. Around 80% of the population is following Christianity and the largest groups of Christians are Roman Catholics, Presbyterian and Church of Central Africa. Other Christians are Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists and Anglicans. About 13% are Muslims in which Sunni is the majority. Other religions are Hinduism, Jewish, Bahai and Rastafarians. The official languages of Malawi are Chichewa and English. Other languages spoken in the country are Chiyao, Chitumbuka, Chinyanja, Malawian Lomwe, Lambya, Kokola, Ndali, Malawian Sena, Nyakyusa-Ngonde and Tonga.

Lake Malawi is the most popular tourist destination of the country as it is surrounded by mountains and palm fringed golden beaches. Lake Malawi is a favorite spots for water sport enthusiasts as the travelers can enjoy waterskiing, board sailing, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Zomba Plateau is popular for hiking and walking and Mount Mulanje is also best for enjoying the spectacular scenery and climate. Liwonde National Park is a must see wild reserve where you can find birds, elephants, waterbuck, reedbuck, hippos and sable.

Other national parks in Malawi are Kasungu, Lengwe, Lake Malawi national park and Nyika. Nkhatakota is an oldest market town which was used for the trading of slaves. The market is popular for shopping as you will get quality products at good prices. Cape Maclear is a bay situated on southern lakeshore and the bay is worth visiting because of the stunning views offered. Other major tourist destinations are Monkey Bay, Likoma Island, Chintheche Lake, Nkhata Bay and Mwabvi wildlife reserve. You can also find several cultural and historical places around the country which includes original mission stations and handicraft centers. Blantyre, Mangochi and Zomba are the towns with several building, museums and monuments.