Fast Facts:
1. It is a landlocked country located in southeastern Africa and is the 36th largest country on the continent.
2. Its capital and largest city is Lilongwe.
3. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964.
4. It is nicknamed “The Warm Heart of Africa” because of the friendliness of its people.
5. Major ethnic groups: Chewa (34%), Lomwe (19%), Yao (13%), Ngoni (10%), Tumbuka (9%), Sena (4%), Mang’anja (3%)
6. Major languages: English, Chewa (official); Yao, Tumbuka, Tonga, Sena, Lomwe, Ngonde, Lambya (national)
7. Major religions: Christianity (77%), Islam (14%), Traditional and other (7%), None (2%)
8. Dance is an important part of Malawi’s culture. Traditional dances and music can be seen as an initiation rite, and are used during rituals and marriage celebrations and ceremonies.
9. This relatively little-known gem has much to offer tourists, including wildlife, culture, adventure activities, stunning scenery, national parks, and the third largest lake in Africa.
10. Malawi has two sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Lake Malawi National Park and the Chongoni Rock Art Area, a site of stone age rock art and paintings.
11. Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, takes up about 1/3 of Malawi’s area.
12. The annual Lake of Stars Festival, a 3-day outdoor festival with live music, talks, poetry, theatre, film, and wellness activities, is held on the shores of Lake Malawi.
13. Things to see and do in Lilongwe include the Lilongwe Market, Old Town, New Town, Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Kamuzu Mausoleum, Parliament Building, the Tobacco Auction Floors, Kumbali Cultural Village, Tindoz d’Afrique, art galleries, bars, cafes, restaurants, crafts shop and nightlife.
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