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Malawi Facts
| Political Climate |
| Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule, the country held multiparty elections in 1994 under a provisional constitution, which took full effect the following year. National multiparty elections were held again in 1999. Malawi is a multi-party democracy with the president as head of state, and holding all executive powers. Legislative authority is vested in the unicameral National Assembly with 112 members, elected for a five-year term. |
| Geography |
Malawi is located in South Eastern Africa south of the equator. Landlocked it is bordered by Tanzania to the North East, Zambia to the west and Mozambique to South east and South with the country's most prominent physical feature being Lake Malawi. There are three distinct physical features.
The low valley land in which are Lake Malawi, and in the south, the Ruo and Lower Shire river basins. Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa, extending 568 kilometres and 16 to 80 kilometres wide.The plateau land which is about 600 to 1500 metres above sea level. Most of the major cities of Malawi, Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu are on the plateau.
The highlands , the Nyika and Viphya Plateau in the north, Dedza Mountain and the Kirk Ranges in the Centre; Zomba Mountain and Mulanje Mountain in the South. Mulanje Mountain at 3,050 metres above sea level is the highest in Central Africa.
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Languages
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| English and Chichewa are the official languages. There are other languages important regionally. |
Currency
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| Kwacha (K) = 100 tambala. Notes are in denominations of K500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of K1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tambala. Exchange is readily available for US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euros or South African Rand. |
Banks
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| There is a very wide choice of banks Malawi and most are open Mon - Fri between 8A and 2PM. Traveler cheques and foreign currency are traded in banks, forex bureaus at the airport and hotels. Acceptance of credit and debit cards is very limited, although in Lilongwe and Blantyre and in main hotels, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa can be used. |
People & Population
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| Formerly Nyasaland, Malawi was once named Maravi, or 'reflected light', perhaps referring to the brilliant glitter on Lake Malawi as the sun shines on it. The shores of Lake Malawi have been inhabited for thousands of years and recent archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of settlements dating back to the late Stone and Iron Ages. The current population of 11.6 million consists mainly of populations descended from the Bantu Tribes: Chewa, Nyanja, Lomwe, Yao, Tumbuka, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni and Ngonde tribes. |
Climate & Best Time to Travel
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| The dry season (winter months) runs from April to Oct/November and is usually dry but nights can be chilly, particularly in the highlands. This is the best time to visit and for game viewing. The landscape and conditions is much better from May to July when it is not as oppressive however there are fewer animals. Birdwatching is best in the early dry season but its also quite hot and could be wet. The rainy season runs from November to March. Around Lake Malawi, in winter, the climate is particularly dry with pleasant cooling breezes. |
Health
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| Municipal tap water should be boiled or sterilized as a precaution. Bottled water is available and is advised to be used. Water outside the main cities and towns is often contaminated and sterilization is essential. Milk and dairy products are often unpasteurized and therefore not safe to eat. It is recommended to peel all fruit, to cook vegetables and to avoid raw salads. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish.
Malaria is encountered throughout the year in the whole country. It is highly recommended to take anti-malaria tablets before entering Malawi (consult your doctor for details). Other vaccinations which are recommended (especially for persons in close contact with local population) include; Hepatitis A & E Hepatitis B Typhoid a booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles and a one-time dose of polio vaccine.
Aids is widespread throughout Africa, and Malawi as well. Take necessary precautions Rabies is present in Malawi. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present, and has been confirmed to occur in some parts of Lake Malawi.
Avoid swimming and paddling in slow-moving or stagnant fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe.
Note: It has been reported that cholera vaccination certificates have been demanded at the border with Tanzania; if immunisation is necessary, avoid the use of local needles under all circumstances.
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Communications
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Most corporate offices and tourist class hotels have telephones and telefaxes. The international country code for Malawi is 265; there are no city codes.
Electricity ~220/240 volts AC, 50 HzA square 3-pin plug is used.
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Entry Requirements
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| For US citizens a passport valid at least six months beyond extended stay. NO visa is required if stay is up to 30 days. Additionally tickets and documents which show return or onward travel. If arriving from an infected Yellow fever area within the past 5 days an international Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required. |
Time
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| GMT + 2, no daylight savings time |
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