Country Profile: Malawi

Malawi, located in Southern Africa, is a landlocked nation bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania. With a population of approximately 21.8 million, the country has a predominantly agrarian economy, grappling with issues such as poverty and corruption. Its political framework is a presidential republic, having transitioned from decades of one-party rule to multiparty democracy in the 1990s. Major challenges include population growth, agricultural land pressure, and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

Geography

Malawi’s geography features a narrow, elongated plateau characterized by rolling plains, rounded hills, and mountains. The nation is landlocked, bordered by Mozambique to the east and south, and shares borders with Zambia and Tanzania. Lake Malawi, the most significant physical feature, serves as a vital resource, hosting diverse fish species. The country experiences a sub-tropical climate with a rainy season from November to May.

118,484 sq km total area
24,404 sq km of water bodies
64.2% of land used for agriculture (2022 est.)
3,002 m highest point (Mount Mlanje)
2,857 km of land boundaries

People and Society

Malawi has a diverse population of approximately 21.8 million people with major ethnic groups including the Chewa, Lomwe, and Yao. The country’s official language is English, while Chewa is widely spoken. Religiously, the population is predominantly Christian, with a significant Muslim minority. The average life expectancy is around 73 years, and the population is characterized by a youthful demographic, with over 37% under the age of 15.

21,763,309 people (2024 est.)
18.3% urban population (2023)
3.19 children born/woman (2024 est.)
2.22% population growth rate (2024 est.)
70.2% literacy rate (2020 est.)

Economy

Malawi's economy is primarily agrarian, with agriculture making up 32.4% of GDP. The country faces significant challenges including high public debt, endemic corruption, and rising urban poverty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The GDP per capita remains low at approximately $1,600. Tobacco, tea, and sugar are key exports, while the economy struggles with high inflation rates.

Real GDP (PPP): $35.425 billion (2024 est.)
5.1% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
32.2% inflation rate (2024 est.)
50.7% of the population below the poverty line (2019 est.)
44.9% service sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Malawi operates as a presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and government. The current President, Lazarus Chakwera, was elected in June 2020. The country has a unicameral legislature and engages in multiple political parties. Malawi's legal system blends English common law with customary law.

Last election: June 2020
Number of legislative seats: 193
Voting age: 18 years
Next expected election: June 2025

Military and Security

The Malawi Defense Force (MDF) encompasses the Army, Air Force, and Maritime Force, reporting directly to the President. The military's primary focus includes external security, regional peacekeeping, and supporting civilian authorities during emergencies. The military budget is modest, accounting for approximately 0.8% of GDP.

10,000 active personnel (2025 est.)
0.8% of GDP allocated for military expenditures (2024 est.)
750 personnel deployed in international peacekeeping operations (2025)
Voluntary service age: 18-30 years

Energy

Malawi’s energy sector is heavily reliant on hydroelectric power, which accounts for over 92% of its total installed capacity. However, only 14% of the population has electricity access, highlighting a significant energy gap. The country faces challenges including poor infrastructure and limited electricity distribution.

731,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
14% electricity access (2022 est.)
1.585 billion kWh electricity consumption (2023 est.)
231.785 million kWh transmission losses (2023 est.)

Environment

Malawi is facing environmental challenges such as deforestation, land degradation, and water pollution. The country is part of various international environmental agreements but struggles with the impacts of climate change, which has led to shifting precipitation patterns.

64.2% of land used for agriculture (2022 est.)
Biodiversity agreements: Party to 15 international agreements
Total renewable water resources: 17.28 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

Transportation

Malawi has a developing transportation infrastructure, primarily consisting of roads and railways. The country's main airport connects to various regional destinations, while the railway network is narrow gauge.

27 airports (2025)
767 km of railway (2014)

Communications

The communications landscape in Malawi is evolving, with increasing mobile cellular subscriptions. However, internet usage remains low, with only 18% of the population having access.

12.9 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
18% internet user percentage (2023 est.)
5,000 fixed line subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	21,763,309	2024 estimate
Area	118,484 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$35.425 billion	2024 estimate
Energy consumption	1.585 billion kWh	2023 estimate
Birth rate	26.6 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	5.1%	2024 estimate
Life expectancy at birth	73 years	2024 estimate