Malawi has not been a premier African tourist destination, but it is a real jewel for those who do visit. It is known as the Warm Heart of Africa for very good reason. The Malawians are some of the friendliest people that you will ever meet.

The country is about half the size of the United Kingdom and one fifth is covered by Lake Malawi. One of Malawi’s great attractions is its diversity of natural landscapes. The Rift Valley floor stretches the length of the country and Lake Malawi occupies most of it, being 364 miles long and 50 miles wide which makes it the third largest freshwater lake in Africa. The vegetation along the lakeshore is lush and often supports local farming. The weather here is warm all year round. There are highland areas with cool fresh air and clear mountain streams and, as you climb, the deciduous forests give way to heaths, grassland and evergreen forests.

Malawi Facts and Figures

Area: 118,480 sq km, 46,000 sq miles (similar size to Cuba)
Climate: Sub tropical: rainy season, November to May;
dry season, May to November
Lake: 585 x 80 km (364 x 50 miles)
Population: 11,000,000, growing at 3.5% per year
0 - 14 years old = 44%
15 - 64 years old = 53.2%
65+ years old = 2.8%
Average life expectancy: 36 years
Infant mortality: 120 deaths per 1000
HIV/AIDS: 1 in 3 of the population
Population below the poverty line: 54%. 85% live in rural areas; 15% in towns
Average annual income: $100-$200 per year
Main exports: Tobacco (70%), sugar and tea