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.