Introduction
Malawi (which means "reflected light of bright haze") consists of a thin silver of densely populated land running the whole length of beautiful Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa), and a southern extension which dips down deep into Mozambique, almost cutting that country in half.
Geographical
Location
Located in central Africa, Malawi is bordered on the north and northeast by Tanzania, on the east by Mozambique, and Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa), on the south by Mozambique, and on the west by Mozambique and Zambia. The area of the country is 118,484 square kilometres. Approximately, one-fifth of Malawi's total area is covered by water, mainly Lake Malawi.
Climate
The climate in Malawi is healthy and pleasant and varies with the elevation. In the low-lying Shire Valley, it is hot and humid. In the highlands, the climate is more equable. The rainy season lasts from October to April, although much less rain falls along the shores of Lake Malawi than in the highlands.
Population
More than 99% of the people of Malawi are black Africans. Principal ethnic groups include the Chiwa, who make up 90% of the population of the central region; the Nyanja, who live mainly in the south; the Tumbuka, who predominate in the north; the Ngoni, an offshoot of the Zulu, who settled in the lower northern and lower central regions in the 1800's; and the Yao, who are mostly Muslim and live along the southeast border.
Languages
English is Malawi's official language and is the primary language of instruction
in the schools. Chichewa is the national language, and a number of other
languages are widely spoken.
Religion
About 55% of the people in Malawi are Protestants, approximately 20%
are Roman Catholic, 20% are Muslim, and the remainder adhere to traditional
indigenous beliefs.