Malawi, once known as Nyasaland, is a landlocked southeast African country bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Covering over 118,484 sq km, its estimated population is 19,431,566. Malawi's capital and largest city is Lilongwe, followed by Blantyre, Mzuzu, and its former capital, Zomba.
In 1907, the British Central Africa Protectorate, encompassing present-day Malawi, was renamed Nyasaland, marking a period of continued British rule.
The Nyasaland African Congress (NAC) was formed in 1944 to advocate for the interests of native Africans under British rule.
In 1953, Nyasaland was merged with Northern and Southern Rhodesia to form the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, a move met with resistance from African nationalists.
Nyasaland became part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1953, a move that sparked opposition from African nationalists.
Hastings Banda, a physician working in Ghana, returned to Nyasaland in 1958 to join the nationalist movement against colonial rule.
Hastings Banda's activism led to his imprisonment by colonial authorities in 1959, highlighting the tensions between the independence movement and British rule.
Hastings Banda was released from prison in 1960 and tasked with helping to draft a new constitution for Nyasaland, one that aimed to grant Africans a majority in the Legislative Council.
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP), led by Hastings Banda, secured a majority in the Legislative Council elections in 1961, setting the stage for Banda's leadership in the newly independent nation.
The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was dissolved in 1963, paving the way for Nyasaland's independence the following year.
The year 1963 marked significant changes: the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was dissolved, and Hastings Banda assumed the role of Prime Minister of Nyasaland.
On July 6, 1964, Nyasaland achieved independence from British rule and adopted the name Malawi. This historic event is commemorated annually as Independence Day.
From 1964 onward, Malawi adopted its flag, consisting of three horizontal stripes of black, red, and green. The black stripe symbolized the African people, the red stripe represented the blood shed by martyrs for African freedom, and the green stripe signified Malawi's natural environment. A red rising sun at the center of the black stripe represented the hope and dawn of freedom for Africa.
On July 6, 1964, Nyasaland gained independence from British rule and was renamed Malawi. This day is celebrated as Independence Day, a public holiday.
Upon gaining independence in 1964, Malawi embarked on a journey of shaping its judicial system. Over the years, the country has implemented various changes, drawing inspiration from the English model. The judicial system has witnessed the integration of both conventional courts and traditional courts, yielding mixed outcomes in terms of effectiveness and impartiality.
Hastings Banda, Malawi's first president, consolidated his power and was declared president-for-life in 1971, ushering in an era of authoritarian rule.
In 1971, Hastings Banda further solidified his grip on power by declaring himself president-for-life, initiating a period of one-man rule in Malawi.
The Malawi Air Force was established in 1976 with assistance from Germany.
Lake Malawi National Park was recognized for its outstanding universal value and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Beginning in 1985, Malawi became a sanctuary for refugees fleeing conflict and instability in neighboring African countries, particularly Mozambique and Rwanda. This influx of refugees, while placing a strain on Malawi's resources and economy, also attracted significant humanitarian aid from international donors, highlighting the country's role in regional humanitarian efforts.
In November 1987, the Malawian government established the National Dance Troupe, previously known as the Kwacha Cultural Troupe.
In 1990, Malawi faced a high poverty rate, with 54% of the population living below the poverty line.
Malawi introduced its inaugural science and technology policy in 1991, laying the groundwork for the country's science and technology development.
In 1992, the enrollment rate for primary schools in Malawi was 58%.
Facing pressure for political reforms, President Banda agreed to a referendum in 1993, in which Malawians voted for a multi-party democracy, ending the rule of the MCP.
Under mounting internal and external pressure, President Banda conceded to a referendum in 1993, in which Malawians voted for a transition to a multi-party democracy, a pivotal moment in the nation's political history.
Following the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa in 1994, Malawi seized the opportunity to forge and nurture diplomatic relations with other African countries. This move marked a departure from Malawi's previous foreign policy during the apartheid era, which had strained its relationships with many African nations.
In 1994, Malawi's government introduced free primary education for all Malawian children.
Malawi held its first multi-party elections in 1994, leading to the defeat of Hastings Banda and the victory of Bakili Muluzi.
The year 1994 marked a turning point for Malawi as it conducted its inaugural multi-party elections. Bakili Muluzi emerged victorious, defeating incumbent Hastings Banda, who had ruled for decades.
On May 18, 1995, Malawi adopted its current constitution, laying the groundwork for a unitary presidential republic. This pivotal document established the framework for the country's governance, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Bakili Muluzi, having led Malawi through a period of transition, was re-elected as president in 1999.
A significant milestone in Malawi's political landscape occurred in November 2000 with the country's first multi-party local elections. This historic event saw the United Democratic Front (UDF) party emerge victorious, capturing 70% of the available seats.
Due to serious concerns about corruption, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) made the decision to suspend aid disbursements to Malawi in December 2000, leading many individual donors to follow suit.
By the year 2000, Malawi had demonstrated notable progress in its governance, as reflected in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. This positive trend, sustained through 2011, indicated the country's commitment to strengthening its institutions and promoting good governance practices.
In 2000, youth literacy in Malawi was recorded at 68%.
Health insurance schemes were introduced in Malawi beginning in 2000 to provide an alternative financing mechanism for healthcare services.
Between 2000 and 2007, Malawi made progress in improving its telecommunications infrastructure, adding 130,000 landline telephone connections, primarily concentrated in urban areas.
Malawi updated its national science and technology policy in 2002, outlining its vision for science and technology-driven progress.
In 2003, Malawi's road network comprised 24,866 kilometers (15,451 miles) of roadways with varying conditions, including 6,956 kilometers (4,322 miles) of paved roads and 8,495 kilometers (5,279 miles) of unpaved roads.
The Science and Technology Act of 2003 formalized the establishment of a Science and Technology Fund to support research and studies through government grants and loans, although it wasn't operational as of 2014.
Bingu wa Mutharika won the presidential election in 2004, succeeding Bakili Muluzi.
In a significant political development in February 2005, President Bingu wa Mutharika parted ways with the United Democratic Front (UDF), the party that had brought him to power. Mutharika went on to establish his own political party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), attracting reform-minded individuals from various political backgrounds.
The year 2005 was set to witness the second round of local elections in Malawi, a constitutionally mandated event. However, the government made the decision to cancel these elections, raising concerns about political transparency and adherence to democratic principles.
Despite facing challenges in economic development, environmental protection, healthcare, education, and financial independence, Malawi received over US$575 million in aid in 2005.
In 2005, Malawian scientists published 116 articles in internationally recognized journals, marking a starting point for the country's growing scientific research presence.
To reduce its dependence on imported fuel, Malawi started mixing unleaded petrol with 10% ethanol in 2006. The ethanol was produced domestically at two plants.
Throughout 2006, President Mutharika's newly formed Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) demonstrated growing popularity by securing victories in by-elections held across the country. This electoral success signaled a potential shift in the political landscape and increased support for Mutharika's leadership.
The percentage of students in Malawi who completed standard five after starting standard one increased from 64% in 1992 to 86% in 2006.
The Chongoni Rock Art Area, recognized for its significant cultural value, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2006.
In 2006, Malawi launched the Fertiliser Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) to address critically low agricultural yields and increase crop production. This program aimed to revitalize the land and improve agricultural output.
In 2006, Madonna founded Raising Malawi, a foundation dedicated to supporting AIDS orphans in Malawi. The organization also funded the documentary "I Am Because We Are," which sheds light on the challenges faced by these orphans. Raising Malawi collaborates with the Millennium Villages Project to enhance education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture in Malawi.
Efforts by the Malawian government and supporting organizations contributed to a decline in the poverty rate, which fell to 40% in 2006.
By 2007, Malawi had made notable improvements in its telecommunications infrastructure, with the number of landline telephone connections increasing by 130,000 since 2000. However, access to landlines remained limited in rural areas.
By 2007, the attendance rate for primary schools in Malawi had risen to 75%.
In 2007, Malawi took a significant step in expanding its diplomatic horizons by formally establishing ties with China. This development paved the way for increased Chinese investment in the country, although concerns lingered regarding the labor practices of Chinese companies operating in Malawi and the potential displacement of local businesses.
Malawi made progress in reducing ultra-poverty, with the percentage of the "ultra-poor" dropping from 24% in 1990 to 15% in 2007.
Malawi's dependence on tobacco as a major export product was evident in 2007, with the product accounting for 53% of the country's export revenues.
As of 2008, Malawi relied entirely on imports for its petroleum needs, with no domestic production. The country did not import or export any electricity.
As of 2008, Malawi's railway network spanned 797 kilometers (495 miles), all of which utilized narrow-gauge tracks.
Malawi experienced significant economic growth in 2008, with the rate reaching 9.7%.
Malawi's reliance on tobacco exports intensified in 2008, with the product's share of export revenues rising significantly to 70%.
Taking a strong stance against corruption, President Bingu wa Mutharika initiated substantial reforms in 2008 aimed at tackling this deeply rooted issue within Malawi. As part of these efforts, several high-ranking members of the former ruling party, the UDF, faced criminal charges, demonstrating the government's commitment to accountability and transparency.
President Bingu wa Mutharika secured re-election in May 2009, but the election was marred by allegations of fraud from his opponents.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected robust economic growth for Malawi in 2009.
Malawi experienced financial setbacks in 2009, including a 23% decline in investment and a nationwide fuel shortage. The purchase of a private presidential jet further strained the economy and raised concerns about financial mismanagement.
Malawi's economy faced difficulty in 2009 as investment plummeted by 23%, hindering the country's ability to pay for essential imports due to a shortage of foreign exchange.
Malawi experienced a notable industrial production growth rate of 10% in 2009.
In 2009, Malawi exported an estimated US$945 million worth of goods.
In 2010, a couple was convicted and sentenced to 14 years of hard labour for homosexuality. However, they were pardoned two weeks later after intervention from the United Nations Secretary General.
Around 2010, a comprehensive analysis of the status of women in Malawi was initiated, utilizing various indices to assess their social, economic, and political conditions.
In 2010, the average life expectancy for women in Malawi was approximately 58 years.
The year 2010 witnessed a period of strained relations between Malawi and Mozambique, primarily stemming from disagreements over the utilization of the Zambezi River and the management of a cross-border electricity grid. These disputes underscored the complexities of resource sharing and regional cooperation in Southern Africa.
In 2010, Malawi's population was estimated to be around 16 million, a figure that has continued to grow in subsequent years.
In 2010, Malawi's flag underwent a change, replacing the red rising sun with a full white sun in the center to represent the country's economic progress.
In 2010, Malawi implemented a change to its national flag, replacing the original design with one featuring three colored stripes and a white sun.
In 2010, Malawi demonstrated a commitment to research and development by allocating 1.06% of its GDP, equivalent to $7.8 per researcher, to these areas.
In March 2011, Euromoney Country Risk rankings placed Malawi as the 119th safest investment destination globally.
Tensions escalated between Malawi and the United Kingdom in July 2011 following the release of a diplomatic memo in which the British ambassador criticized President Mutharika's government. In retaliation, Mutharika expelled the ambassador, prompting the UK to suspend all budgetary aid to Malawi. This diplomatic rift coincided with the United States' decision to freeze a $350 million grant to Malawi, citing concerns over human rights violations and political repression.
Widespread protests erupted across Malawi in July 2011, fueled by grievances over the rising cost of living, deteriorating foreign relations, concerns about governance, and a shortage of foreign exchange reserves. The protests resulted in fatalities and injuries, highlighting growing discontent with the government.
By 2011, Malawi had showcased considerable progress in its governance as evidenced by its performance on the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. This positive trajectory, which began in 2000, highlighted the country's dedication to enhancing its institutional framework and fostering effective governance.
The National Commission for Science and Technology, envisioned in the 2002 policy, became fully operational in 2011, with a dedicated secretariat formed by merging the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Council.
In April 2012, President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi died from a heart attack. His death was shrouded in secrecy for 48 hours, during which time his body was flown to South Africa. The situation became complicated when ambulance drivers in South Africa refused to transport the body, stating they lacked the proper licensing to handle a corpse. Ultimately, the South African government intervened, threatening to expose the situation, which led to the transfer of presidential power to Vice-President Joyce Banda.
In May 2012, President Joyce Banda made a pledge to repeal laws that criminalized homosexuality in Malawi.
The flag modification introduced in 2010 was short-lived. By 2012, Malawi had reinstated its former flag, featuring the familiar black-red-green color scheme.
In 2012, Malawi achieved a commendable 7th place ranking among sub-Saharan African countries in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. This index, designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of governance across the African continent, highlighted Malawi's strengths in safety and rule of law, while also revealing areas for improvement, particularly in sustainable economic opportunities and education.
In 2012, the Revised Education Act made primary education compulsory in Malawi.
In 2012, a significant portion of foreign investment in Malawi was directed towards infrastructure projects (62%) and the energy sector (33%), highlighting these sectors as key areas of development.
In 2012, Malawi reverted to its original flag design.
By 2012, Malawi had developed 31 airports, with seven featuring paved runways, including two designated international airports, while the remaining 24 had unpaved runways.
Despite employing over 80% of the population in subsistence farming, agriculture contributed to 27% of Malawi's GDP in 2013.
Malawi adopted a National Export Strategy in 2013, aiming to reduce its reliance on traditional exports and promote the production and export of a wider range of products.
The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre curated an investment portfolio in 2013, showcasing 20 companies across six major economic growth sectors. This portfolio aimed to attract foreign investment and promote economic diversification.
Despite being established by the 2003 Science and Technology Act, the Science and Technology Fund, designed to provide financial support for research and studies, remained non-operational as of 2014.
In 2014, Peter Mutharika, the brother of former President Bingu wa Mutharika, secured victory in the Malawian general election. His win marked a return to power for the Mutharika family following the passing of his brother in 2012.
Malawian scientists exhibited significant growth in their scientific research output in 2014, ranking third in Southern Africa with 322 articles published in internationally recognized journals.
Southern Malawi experienced catastrophic floods in January 2015, described as the worst in living memory. The floods resulted in widespread devastation, displacement of over 336,000 people, and loss of life.
Malawi raised the legal age for marriage from 15 to 18 in 2015 to address the issue of child marriage.
The Secretariat of the National Commission for Science and Technology undertook a review of the Strategic Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (2011–2015). However, as of early 2015, the revised policy was awaiting Cabinet approval.
In 2015, Malawi faced a severe HIV/AIDS epidemic, with an estimated 980,000 adults (9.1% of the population) living with the disease. The epidemic resulted in approximately 27,000 deaths and over half a million orphaned children.
In 2015, President Peter Mutharika imposed a moratorium on Malawi's anti-gay laws, suspending them pending further review.
By the end of 2015, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had established a presence in Malawi, with a membership exceeding 2,000 individuals.
By 2015, youth literacy in Malawi had improved to 75%, largely due to factors such as enhanced learning resources, improved infrastructure, and the implementation of feeding programs in schools.
In November 2016, a court in Malawi sentenced an HIV-positive man to two years in prison with forced labor for engaging in sexual relations with 100 women without disclosing his HIV status. Women's rights activists criticized the sentence, deeming it too lenient.
Based on recent estimates, Malawi's population in 2016 was approximately 18,091,575.
By 2016, Malawi's television broadcasting landscape had expanded to include 20 television stations operating on the country's digital network, MDBNL.
Malawi faced a severe drought in 2016, impacting agricultural production and food security.
In January 2017, Malawi experienced an outbreak of armyworms, particularly around Zomba. These pests posed a significant threat to the country's staple crop, corn, and had infested 2,000 hectares across nine districts by January 14, 2017.
By 2017, the average life expectancy for women in Malawi had significantly increased to 66 years.
In 2017, Malawi signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
In 2017, Malawi's GDP was estimated at $22.42 billion (purchasing power parity), with a per capita GDP of $1200. However, the country faced challenges such as high inflation (estimated at 12.2%) and investment barriers related to service costs and poor infrastructure.
In 2017, despite some governmental efforts, Malawi faced several human rights challenges such as excessive force by security forces, mob violence, harsh prison conditions, limits on freedom of speech and press, lengthy pretrial detentions, arbitrary arrests, violence against women, human trafficking, child labour, and deep-rooted government corruption.
This entry likely contained data about the religious makeup of Malawi in 2018, though the specific details are not provided.
The month of May 2019 saw President Peter Mutharika secure a second term in office through an election marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities. Despite facing challenges from Lazarus Chakwera, Atupele Muluzi, and Saulos Chilima, Mutharika's victory would later be contested and overturned by Malawi's courts.
The 2019 Malawian general election saw a narrow victory for incumbent President Peter Mutharika. However, his re-election was plagued by allegations of irregularities and fraud, ultimately leading to legal challenges that would overturn the results.
In 2019, Malawi held the 118th position in the Global Innovation Index, a testament to its efforts in fostering innovation.
In 2019, Malawi achieved a mean score of 5.74 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking 96th globally out of 172 countries assessed.
In February 2020, Malawi's Constitutional Court made a landmark decision by overturning the results of the 2019 presidential election. The court cited widespread irregularities and fraud as the basis for their decision, marking the first time an election in Malawi had faced a successful legal challenge.
In May 2020, the Malawi Supreme Court affirmed the Constitutional Court's decision to nullify the 2019 presidential election results, further solidifying the cancellation of President Peter Mutharika's victory. Consequently, a fresh presidential election was scheduled for July 2nd of the same year.
For the fiscal year 2020/2021, Malawi's central government allocated a budget of $2.8 billion. This budget, larger than the subsequent year's allocation, suggests different economic conditions and government priorities at the time.
In a historic move, Malawi's Constitutional Court annulled President Peter Mutharika's re-election in 2020, citing widespread fraud and irregularities during the 2019 election. This landmark decision paved the way for opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera to assume the presidency, ushering in a new era for Malawian politics.
As of March 2021, the Malawi national netball team achieved a global ranking of 6th.
On June 26, 2021, Malawi's LGBT community celebrated a milestone by holding their first Pride parade in Lilongwe.
As of 2021, Malawi's population exceeded 19 million, characterized by a growth rate of 3.32%.
During the 2021 fiscal year, the Malawian government operated with a central budget of $2.4 billion. This budget allocation reflects a decrease from the previous fiscal year's $2.8 billion, indicating a shift in government spending priorities.
Malawi's innovation capabilities were acknowledged in 2021 when it secured the 107th position in the Global Innovation Index, reflecting an improvement from its 118th ranking in 2019.
During the 2022 fiscal year, the Malawian government operated with a central budget of $2.4 billion. This budget allocation reflects a decrease from the previous fiscal year's $2.8 billion, indicating a shift in government spending priorities.
In 2022, Malawi had 10.23 million active mobile phone connections, indicating a significant level of mobile phone penetration. The country also had 4.03 million internet users, reflecting growing internet access.
According to the 2024 V-Dem Democracy indices, Malawi holds a strong democratic standing. It ranks 74th globally and 11th within Africa in terms of electoral democracy.
Malawi's population is projected to experience significant growth, reaching over 47 million by 2050, nearly triple the estimated 16 million in 2010.