Malawi

Malawi is a land-locked country found in southeast Africa. It borders Mozambique to the east and south, Zambia to the west, and Tanzania to the north. The country has the third largest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi (also known as Lake Nyasa), which separates Malawi from both Mozambique and Tanzania. Malawi's former name was Nyasaland.

Geographical Features

Malawi bodies of water include Lake Malawi, Lake Malombe, Lake Chilwas, Lake Chiuta, Shire River and many others. Malawi also holds the Great Rift Valley. The region is within a subtropical climate.

Ethnic Groups, Language and Religion

Malawi tribal groups include the Chewa, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Tumbuka, Chipoka and others. All these tribal groups are part of the Bantu group. Some Asians and Europeans are also found in Malawi, although, at a lower percentage.

English is the official language, while Chichewa, Chitimbuka, Chiyao are the three local languages commonly spoken. Chichewa is the language of the Chewa tribe, Chitimbuka, is the language of Timbuka tribe, and Chiyao is the language of the Yao tribe.

The main religions include Christianity (Protestants and Catholics), Islam, and traditional beliefs.

History

The Bantu people were the first to migrate and settle into Malawi between the 14th and 19th century. Farming and construction tools were important technologies made by smelting iron. Arab slave traders were the first foreigners to enter into Malawi.  Shortly after, the Portuguese explorer Dr. David Livingstone arrived in1859 as the first British in Malawi. Many Europeans began arriving to spread Christianity, stop slave trade and to discover the source of the Nile River. Malawi was colonized by Britain in 1890 and in 1950 the British wanted Malawi to converge with Zambia and Zimbabwe. A rebellion led by Banda Hastings arose in opposition to that suggestion. Banda was thrown in jail and he was released in 1960. Malawi gained independence from the British on July, 6th 1964 and in 1966 Banda became president.

Economy

Malawi's economy depends mainly on agriculture.  Main crops grown include tobacco, tea, sugarcane, cotton, corn, cassava, potatoes, sorghum, groundnuts, and wheat. Farming done on small scale produces more farm products than farming done on large scale. Mining is another source of income and so far Uranium is being mined in the northern part of the country. Other minerals include limestone, coal, and bauxite. Industries are also a source income.

Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not claim expertise on Malawi.

Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the URL

Sources

Encyclopedia of the Nations :: Africa Republic of Malawi;

   Country overview, Location and size. Electronic document, http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Africa/Malawi.html accessed July

   2009.

 

The African guide African People & Culture;

   Tribes & People Groups, Chewa. Electronic Document, http://www.africaguide.com/culture/tribes/chewa.htm  accessed July 2009.

 

Friends of Malawi Tribe and Languages; Malawi.

   Electronic Document, http://www.friendsofmalawi.org/learn_about_malawi/culture/tribes_and_languages.html  accessed July 2009.

Written by Esther Nalubwama 2009