Facts about Malawi

Malawi is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa. Lilongwe is the capital city, and Blantyre is the largest city in the country. English and Chewa are the country’s national languages, and the Malawian Kwacha is the country’s national currency. The official name of the country is the Republic of Malawi. Similarly, “Mlungu dalitsani Malaŵi” is the country’s national anthem, and the Shire River is the country’s Principle River. Lotus is the national flower, and the Mulanje Cedar is the national tree of Malawi. Further, the African fish eagle is the country’s national bird, and the Thomsons Gazelle is the national animal of Malawi. Additionally, Football is the country’s national sport, and Mango is the national fruit. With these interesting facts about Malawi, let’s learn more about the history, culture, religion, people, industries, tourism, tradition, and many more.

Quick Facts about Malawi

The official name of the country: The Republic of Malawi
Area: 118,484 km2
Population(2022): 20.03 million
Population density: 203 per kilometers Square
GDP (PPP)(2021): $30.44 Billion
GDP Per Capita (nominal): $625
Continent: Africa
Capital: Lilongwe
Spoken Language: English, Chewa, Sena, Tonga, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Ngonde, and Lambya are some highly spoken languages in the country. Also, indigenous languages are spoken in the country.
Official Languages: English and Chewa
Largest by area: 98th largest country
Religion: Christianity: 82.3 % (Protestantism: 58.5%, Catholicism: 17.2%, Other Christian: 6.6%), Islam: 13.8%, None: 2.1%, Traditional faiths: 1.2%, Other: 0.6%.
Government: Unitary presidential republic
Currency: Malawian Kwacha (D) (MWK)
Calling Code: +265
Time Zone: UTC +2 (CAT)

12 Interesting Facts about Malawi

1. Bordering countries of Malawi

The country shares its land borders with three countries. It is bordered by Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south, and southwest.
The country Malawi is a southern African hub and visitors to Malawi often go on to explore or have previously explored the neighboring countries.

2. The capital city of Malawi is one of the youngest in Africa

Lilongwe is the capital city of Malawi and it is considered one of the youngest cities in Africa. The capital city was founded in 1906 and was only recognized as a town in 1947. In 1975 it become the capital of Malawi.
Lilongwe was transformed by British colonial rule from a small fishing village into a major trading center.
And today around 1.2 million people live in the capital city.

3. Malawi is one of the world's top producers of tea

Only some people know that the country is one of the best producers of tea. This southeast African country was among the first to grow tea on a commercial scale. Tea is listed as one of Malawi's major exports (6%).
Malawi tea is known across the globe. Many of the world-renowned tea brands such as Twinings, PG Tips, and five roses use Malawi tea leaves.
Satemwa is the tea-growing region of Malawi. Aside from tasting a wide variety of teas, this region is one of the best regions of Malawi to go shaking and mountain biking.
Also, Malawi is the biggest exporter of tobacco. Currently, Malawi has ranked in the top 10 list for the largest tobacco producer in the world.

4. Most beautiful landscapes

One of Malawi's most beautiful landscapes is the Zomba Plateau. It is at 2000 meters above sea level and has unique landscapes. It is one of the country's major tourists attractions. This place has an incredible mix of flora and fauna. Also, this flora and fauna attract the tourist's attention.

5. The world’s biggest elephant translocation

History's biggest elephant relocation took place in Malawi in 2016. In total 500 elephants are being moved from two of Malawi's National Parks; Majete and Liwonde, to Nkhotakota national park (from southern Malawi to the center of the country).
The remaining 250 elephants will be transferred from Majete to Nkhotakota for part 2 of the translocation.
This was done due to poaching and habitat loss, in an effort to secure a future for the country's elephants.

6. Third largest lake in Africa

Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa. It is also listed as a Unesco world heritage site. The lake has more species of fish than any other lake in the world. Around 1000 different species of cichlids with the vast majority being endemic are found in the Lake.
The lake has got the nickname "Lake of stars". This is because, at its longest point. It is 365 miles long and 53 miles wide.
Lake Malawi is said to offer the best freshwater diving in Africa.

7. Inhabited by human beings for a very long time

Malawi has been inhabited by human beings for a very long time. The people had inhabited here, since at least 60,000 years ago. But it goes back even further. Recent discoveries show that Malawi could be the cradles of humankind.
Near Karonga, tools and remains of early hominids have been found that could date back to 1 to 6 million years ago.

8. Not to have any identification cards

It might seem odd, but Malawians don't have any identification cards. Their only means of legal identification are passports and their driver's licenses.
Several attempts have been made to introduce this legal document, but progress has been very slow.

9. Danish Beer

In 1968, Malawi become the only country outside of Denmark to have a factory for Brewing Carlsberg Beer.

10. Chambo delicious fish dish in Malawi

If you are fond of fish? You must try Malawi Chambo when visiting Malawi. It is only found in Malawi. You will find Malawi Chambo in most restaurants and lodges. Most restaurants and lodges serve this delicious fish.
If you stay at a lakeside lodge you will likely see the fishermen selling the fish directly to the lodges. Get your order in, You won't get much fresher than that, try the fish curry. You won't regret it.

11. One of the safest countries in Africa

Many of us think that Malawi is not been a safer country to visit but per the World Economic Forum (WEF) Malawi is one of the safest countries in Africa.
Surprisingly to some- not to those who live in the country, Malawi ranks safer than many African countries including popular tourist destinations such as Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Zambia.

12. First Grammy Nomination

Inmates and guards of Zomba prison were nominated for a Grammy in 2016. This was the country's first Grammy nomination. They did not win however it put Malawi music on the map.
These are some interesting facts about Malawi.

Malawi Facts

• Malawi is formally known as Nyasaland and it is the southern African hub.
• Chongoni rock art of Malawi is also on the World Heritage list. Inscribed in 2006, Chongoni Rock art comprises 127 sites that feature the richest concentration of rock art in Central Africa
• Malawi has participated in the Olympics eight-time but unfortunately, they did not win a medal till now.

These are some Malawi facts.

In Conclusion

In this article, we discussed some interesting facts about Malawi. After reading this article, you might gain some knowledge about Malawi. If you have still queries and want to learn more about the country, then please comment to us. Further, if you already visited this beautiful country, and want to add more interesting facts to this article that are not included in the article above, please comment to us. Also, share your take on this article.
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