Maps of Malawi

The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked nation in Southeast Africa. The country covers a total area of 45,747?square?miles. The estimated population is 15,028,757 (2009). The per capita nominal GDP of the country is $336, which is among the lowest in the world. The official languages are English and Chichewa. The major religion is Christianity, however there are other religious communities also in the country, such as Rastafarians, Jews, Baha'is, and Hindus. Because of the affability of the people, it is portrayed as the "Warm Heart of Africa".

Malawi was initially colonized during the 10th century and was dominated by indigenous rulers till 1891, when it was settled by the British, who had control of Malawi till 1964. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom on July 6, 1964. After achieving freedom, it was converted to a one-party state under the administration of Hastings Banda, who served as president till 1994, while he was thrown out of power.In 1994, Bingu Mutharika was elected the president of the country. During all these years, however, the country has been hampered by severe health and economic problems.

Malawi is one of the least developed countries in the world. Its economy is primarily dependent on agriculture, with a mostly countryside populace. The Government of Malawi relies significantly on external financial assistance to fulfill growth requirements. However, this requirement (and the assistance provided) has lowered since 2000. Major industries include tea, tobacco, sawmill products, sugar, consumer goods, and cement. Malawi exports tea, tobacco, cotton, sugar, peanuts, coffee, wood products, and attire. The country imports food, semi-manufactures, petroleum products, transportation equipments and consumer goods.