Malawi

The Republic of Malawi is a land-locked nation, in Southern Africa, although sometimes it is considered to also be situated in Eastern Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania to the north, Zambia on the north-west, and Mozambique on the east, south, and west. Lake Malawi comprises about a fifth of the country's territory and it is stretched through most of its eastern border. The origins for the name Malawi remains unclear; it is held to be either derived from that of southern tribes, or noting the 'glitter of the sun rising across the lake' (as seen in its flag).

Geography

Main article: Geography of Malawi

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Malawi is situated in southeastern Africa. The Great Rift Valley traverses the country from north to south. In this deep trough lies Lake Malawi (also called Lake Nyasa), the third-largest lake in Africa, comprising about 20% of Malawi's area. The Shire River flows from the south end of the lake and joins the Zambezi River 400 kilometres (250 mi) farther south in Mozambique. East and west of the Rift Valley, the land forms high plateaus, generally between 900 and 1,200 m (3,000-4,000 ft) above sea level. In the north, the Nyika Uplands rise as high as 2,600 m (8,500 ft); south of the lake lie the Shire Highlands, with an elevation of 600-1,600 m (2,000-5,000 ft), rising to Mts. Zomba and Mulanje, 2,130 and 3,048 m (7,000 and 10,000 ft). In the extreme south, the elevation is only 60-90 m (200-300 ft) above sea level.

Related Topics:
Africa - Great Rift Valley - Lake Malawi - Lake - Shire River - Zambezi River - Mozambique - Plateau - Nyika Uplands - Shire Highlands

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Malawi is one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most densely populated countries. The population of Lilongwe —Malawi's capital since 1971— exceeds 400,000. All government ministries and the Parliament are located in Lilongwe. Blantyre remains Malawi's major commercial center and largest city, having grown from an estimated 109,000 inhabitants in 1966 to nearly 500,000 in 1998. Malawi's President resides in Lilongwe. The Supreme Court is seated in Blantyre.

Related Topics:
Densely populated countries - Lilongwe - 1971 - Blantyre - 1966 - 1998

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Malawi's climate is generally subtropical. A rainy season runs from November through April. There is little to no rainfall throughout most of the country from May to October. It is hot and humid from October to April along the lake and in the Lower Shire Valley. Lilongwe is also hot and humid during these months, albeit far less than in the south. The rest of the country is warm during those months. From June through August, the lake areas and far south are comfortably warm, but the rest of Malawi can be chilly at night, with temperatures ranging from 5 °-14 °C (41°-57°F).

Related Topics:
Climate - Subtropical

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See also List of cities in Malawi

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Exclaves and enclaves

The islands of Likoma and Chisumula belong to Malawi but lie entirely within Mozambique territorial waters, forming maritime exclaves http://geosite.jankrogh.com/malawi.htm.

Related Topics:
Likoma - Chisumula - Exclave

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