Malawi: flag, capital, currency and history
Malawi, officially the Republic of Malawi, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Lilongwe. The currency is the Malawian kwacha. Languages spoken include English and Chewa.
Quick facts about Malawi
- Official name
- Republic of Malawi
- Capital
- Lilongwe
- Region
- Africa, Eastern Africa
- Currency
- Malawian kwacha (MWK, MK)
- Languages
- English, Chewa
- Calling code
- +265
- Internet domain
- .mw
- Area
- 118,484 km² (45,747 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia
- Demonym
- Malawian
- National day
- Independence Day, July 6
Flag of Malawi
Download the flag of Malawi as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇲🇼.
History of Malawi
Bantu-speaking peoples settled the area around Lake Malawi in the first millennium AD, and the Maravi kingdoms later developed there. The Scottish missionary David Livingstone reached the lake in 1859, and missions and traders followed. Britain declared a protectorate in 1891, later called Nyasaland. It was part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland from 1953 to 1963. Malawi became independent on 6 July 1964 and a republic in 1966, after which Hastings Banda led a one-party state until multiparty elections in 1994. It is now a multiparty republic.
Key dates
- 1859David Livingstone reaches Lake Malawi.
- 1891Britain proclaims a protectorate over the area, later named Nyasaland.
- 1953Nyasaland joins the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
- 1963The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland is dissolved.
- 1964Malawi becomes independent on 6 July.
- 1966Malawi becomes a republic with a one-party system.
- 1994Malawi holds its first multiparty elections.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Malawi
Malawi uses the Malawian kwacha (MWK, MK). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Malawi?
The capital of Malawi is Lilongwe.
What currency does Malawi use?
Malawi uses the Malawian kwacha (MWK, symbol MK).
What languages are spoken in Malawi?
Languages used in Malawi include English and Chewa.
What is the calling code of Malawi?
The international calling code of Malawi is +265. Its internet domain is .mw.
Which countries border Malawi?
Malawi shares land borders with Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.
On which continent is Malawi?
Malawi is in Africa, in the region of Eastern Africa.
What is the national day of Malawi?
Malawi marks Independence Day on July 6.
Neighbours of Malawi
More countries in Eastern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).