Malawi

Geography
Malawi is a "small" country in southern Africa, bordered by Tanzania to the north, Mozambique to the east, south and southeast, and Zambia to the west. It is 855km long, with varying widths from 10km to 250km, covering a total area of 118484sq km, of which over 24000sq km is fresh water - Lake Malawi, minor lakes and rivers. Lake Malawi water surface area is 28760 sq km.

Physical characteristics
The geographical character of Malawi is dominated by Lake Malawi, which stretches 568km along the spine of the country, with varying widths from 16km to 80km. Lake Malawi is the third largest in Africa, and the thirteenth largest in the world. Here's an historical note: Lake Malawi was the scene of the first naval encounter of World War I. To the west of the lake, the country's plateau rises to a general height of between 915m and 1220m. Rising above these fairly cool highlands are the higher plateau of Dedza, Viphya and Kirk Range that, in places, reach between 1524m and 2440m. In the Southern Region of Malawi, the 2134m high Zomba Mountain dominates the Shire highlands. The highest peak in Malawi is Sapitwa on Mulanje Mountain (3050m high) located in the southern part of the country.

Climate
Malawi has a tropical continental climate, with some maritime influence marked in the dry season by a light drizzle, locally known as chiperoni experienced in the Shire Highlands of southern Malawi.

There are three seasons: the dry season, the cool and the wet season. The rainy season extends from November to April. The cool season is from May to July and the dry season runs from August to October. Temperatures and rainfall are greatly influenced by the lake and altitude, which varies from 37m (in the Lower Shire Valley) to 3050m (Mount Mulanje).

Mountain areas above 1068m are cool with annual temperatures ranging from 14.4?to 17.8?Celcius. The highest temperatures are in the Rift Valley where they may reach as high as 37.8?in the hottest months while frost is quite common on plateau above 1830m.

Rainfall is between 635mm and 3050mm depending on attitude and position of the area to rain bearing winds. Although rainfall varies, most parts of the country receive sufficient rain for dry land farming (except of course during periods of droughts as has happened in the last several years). The wide range in climate enables Malawi to grow both tropical and sub-tropical crops.

The beckoning hills
Come first to Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is set among rolling hills, some rising steeply from the water, and covered in tropical vegetation. A network of roads allow you to explore, at leisure, the various resorts along the neighboring lakeshore, or to venture further a field into the highlands and plateaus of the Central and Northern Regions. Here are the largest of Malawi's national parks and nature reserves, home to a large variety of wildlife, and offering accommodation in charming lodges or rustic rondavels. The breathtaking vistas across the lake into distant Mozambique as you ascend the escarpment road to the northern most resort, the Nyika, are unforgettable. You are transported into another time, another place, another enchantment.

Country description
Malawi is a developing African nation with up and coming Tourist facilities. However, basic utilities like electricity, water supply, and telecommunications can sometimes be sporadic.

Entry requirements
A passport, return ticket, and adequate funds are required. A 30-day visa, which can be extended up to an additional 60 days, is issued at point of entry. There is an airport departure tax. Travelers are encouraged to obtain the latest information and details from the nearest Malawian Embassy or Consulate.

Medical facilities
Travelers should be aware that some stretches of Lake Malawi contain the parasite schistosoma, aka bilharzia. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment for health care services and you are advised to have medical insurance cover just in case.

Safety of Public Transportation: basic
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: basic
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: basic
Availability of Roadside Assistance: basic

Location: outhern Africa, east of Zambia

Climate: tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)

Terrain: narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains

Natural resources: limestone, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxite

Geography—note: landlocked

Population: 10,000,416 (July 1999 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Malawian(s)
adjective: Malawian

Ethnic groups: Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, European

Religions: Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, traditional indigenous beliefs

Languages: English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages important regionally

Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Malawi
conventional short form: Malawi
former: Nyasaland

Capital: Lilongwe

Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with a radiant, rising, red sun centered in the black band

Economy—overview: The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for 45% of GDP and 90% of export revenues. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations. The new government has embarked on a program to expand exports, improve educational and health facilities, and to deal with environmental problems of deforestation and erosion.

Industries: tea, tobacco, sugar, sawmill products, cement, and consumer goods

Agriculture—products: tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (tapioca), sorghum, pulses; cattle, goats

Exports—commodities: tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanuts, and wood products

Imports—commodities: food, petroleum products, semi manufactures, consumer goods, and transportation equipment

Currency: 1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambala

Telephone system:
domestic: fair system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone communications stations
international: satellite earth stations? Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Railways:
total: 789 km
narrow gauge: 789 km 1.067-m gauge

Highways:
total: 28,400 km
paved: 5,254 km
unpaved: 23,146 km (1996 est.)

Waterways: Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 km

Ports and harbors: Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota

Airports: 45 (1998 est.)

Military branches: Army (includes Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (includes paramilitary Mobile Force Unit)

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