Malawi
-
Capital
Lilongwe
-
Local time
20:13
-
Population
16.45 m
-
Driving side
Left
-
Calling code
+265
-
Currency
MK MWK (kwacha)
Malawi
-
Capital
Lilongwe
-
Local time
20:13
-
Population
16.45 m
-
Driving side
Left
-
Calling code
+265
-
Currency
MK MWK (kwacha)
-
Average Salary
$ 1 098
-
Petrol price
€ 1.78 pl
-
Precipitation
1 181mm /year
Geography & travel
-
Country Area
118 480 km2
-
Protected Area
17%
-
Forest Area
33%
-
Agricultural area
61%
-
Railways
797km
-
Annual air passengers
6 743
Population
-
Ethnicity
Chewa
Nyanja
Tumbuko
-
Religion
Christian - 80 %
Islam - 13 %
Islam - 13 %
-
Literacy rates
62.1%
-
Languages
Chichewa
Chinyanja
Chiyao
-
Armed Forces
6 800
-
Alcohol consumption
2.5 l/person
-
Smoking
25.4%
-
Diabetes
3.6%
-
Malaria
189%
-
Tuberculosis
193 per 100k
-
HIV
9.2%
Economy
-
Industries
tobacco, tea, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods
-
Agriculture
tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (tapioca), sorghum, pulses
-
Natural Resources
limestone, arable land, hydropower, uranium, coal, bauxite
-
Natural Resources
limestone, arable land, hydropower, uranium, coal, bauxite
-
Renewable Energy
80%
-
CO2 Emissions
1 276kt
-
Ease of Business
110 (Best=1, Worst=200)
-
ATMs per 100k people
5
What not to do when visiting Malawi
Malawi Don’t make too much eye contact with elders, bosses or someone you are trying to respect - it tends to have the opposite effect.
Useful
Not useful
Malawi Don't get too close to wildlife - always follow your guide and observe local or park instructions.
- Useful
- Not useful
Malawi Don’t forget to shake hands when greeting (men) - to show respect, people sometimes hold their wrist with their left hand when shaking. Handshake or bow is common among women. Wait for the woman to extend her hand (if at all).
- Useful
- Not useful
Did you know?
Despite being a landlocked country, one-fifth of Malawi’s territory is covered in water from Lake Malawi.
Malawi Don’t publicly display your anger or strong emotions - it’s rare and often considered bad form.
- Useful
- Not useful
Malawi Don’t ignore the fact Malawi has a higher rate of fatalities on the road - always take care when in traffic.
- Useful
- Not useful
Malawi Don’t forget to dress modestly - it’s best to avoid short skirts and very revealing clothes if you’re a woman.
- Useful
- Not useful
Malawi Don’t drink tap water - use bottled one instead.
- Useful
- Not useful
Malawi Don't be too direct in conversations - it may be considered rude.
- Useful
- Not useful
Did you know?
In eastern Africa, you can buy beer brewed from bananas.
Malawi Don't forget to use both hands when giving and receiving objects.
- Useful
- Not useful
Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Malawi Don’t forget the rainy season usually runs from November to April.
- Useful
- Not useful
Still looking for somewhere to stay?
Book a holiday you will tell your friends about.
