Malawi

Government
Multiparty democracy.

Geography
Malawi is a landlocked country, located in southeast Africa. Lake Malawi, formerly Lake Nyasa, occupies most of the country’s eastern border.

Historical Background
Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution which came into full effect the following year. Current President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA, was elected in May 2004 after a failed attempt by the previous president to amend the constitution to permit another term.

Capital

Lilongwe

Government

Multi-party democracy

Language

English, Chichewa

Religion

approximately 80% of the population is Christian, Around 13% of the population is Muslim

Area

118,484 km2 (99th) 45,747 sq mi 

Population

2009 estimate 15,028,757 (64) 1998 census 9,933,868[4]

Currency

Kwacha (D) (MWK)