
Malawi
The Republic of Malawi is in southern Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast and Mozambique, which surrounds it on the east, south and west and is separated from Malawi by Lake Malawi (also Lake Nyasa).
Official Name: Republic of Malawi
Short form: Malawi
Country Calling Code: +265
Capital City: Lilongwe (pop. 600 000)
Other Cities: Blantyre, Zomba, Mzuzu
Government Type: Republic
Independence: July 6, 1964.
Nationality: Malawian(s)
Population: 13.1 million (2008)
Ethnic Groups: Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, European.
Religions: Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs 3%, other 2%.
Languages: English (official), Chichewa (official), regional dialects, i.e., Chitumbuka, Chiyao, Chilomwe.
Natural Resources: Limestone, uranium (potential), coal, bauxite, phosphates, graphite, granite, black granite, aquamarine, tourmaline, rubies, sapphires, rare earths.
Agriculture Products: Tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (tapioca), sorghum, pulses; groundnuts, Macadamia nuts; cattle, goats.
Industries: Tobacco, tea, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods.
Currency: Kwacha (MWK)
Source: www.nationsonline.org/Africa; www.bbc.com/ Malawi Profile; other.