Fact 1: A Land of Lake
Malawi is also known as the "Warm Heart of Africa," and one of its dominant features is Lake Malawi, which takes up almost one-third of the country. This is the ninth largest lake in the world and the third largest and second deepest lake in Africa. It is also home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world, including about 1000 species of cichlids.
Fact 2: Fishy Currency
The national currency in Malawi is Kwacha, which translates to "it has dawned," symbolizing the freedom gained after colonial rule. Intriguingly, the coins feature an image of the cichlid fish, embossing the significance of Lake Malawi's diverse fish species into the nation's financial system.
Fact 3: The Big Five
Despite being known as a water paradise, Malawi also offers an incredible wildlife experience with its nine national parks and wildlife reserves. These protected areas are home to the 'big five' – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros, as well as myriad bird species, providing a complete African safari experience.
Fact 4: The Highest Peak
Mount Mulanje, often referred to as the ‘Island in the Sky,’ is the highest point in Malawi, reaching approximately 3,000 meters. Its unique biosphere is so distinctive that it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fact 5: The Unique Flag
The national flag of Malawi is quite distinct. It features a black stripe representing the African people, a red stripe for the blood of those who fought for Africa's independence, and a green stripe for nature. It also hosts a rising sun signifying the dawn of freedom and hope across the continent.
Fact 6: Agricultural Cornerstone
Agriculture plays a significant role in Malawi's economy with approximately 80% of the population engaged in agricultural activities. Tobacco, tea, and sugar are the main exports, followed by groundnuts, coffee, and cotton.
Fact 7: World's First Woman President
In 2012, Joyce Banda made history by becoming not only Malawi's first female president, but also the first woman to hold the presidency in any African country. She served as the country's leader until 2014.
Fact 8: Traditional Music and Dance
Music and dance are integral parts of Malawian culture. Gule Wamkulu, a big masked dance performed at significant traditional ceremonies, is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Fact 9: Chewa Matriarchal Society
In the Chewa tribe, one of the largest ethnic groups in Malawi, the society is matriarchal. After marriage, the husband moves to the wife's village, and the lineage is traced through the female line.
Fact 10: The Lifesaving Malaria Project
In 2018, Malawi was one of three African countries chosen for a groundbreaking malaria vaccine pilot. A project that seeks to immunize 120,000 children per year across selected areas of the country, for at least four years.
Fact 11: Literacy Rate
Despite being one of the world's least developed countries, Malawi has a relatively high literacy rate. According to UNICEF, the adult literacy rate was estimated to be 62% in 2018.
Fact 12: Chichewa Juncture
Chichewa is the national language spoken in Malawi, along with English. Interestingly, Chichewa has a unique feature called noun classes similar to French or Spanish, where every noun belongs to a particular class based on its meaning.
Fact 13: Kulamba Traditional Ceremony
Every year in August, the Chewa clan in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique observe the Kulamba traditional ceremony. Designed as a thanksgiving ceremony to ancestors for good harvests and to ask for blessings, it importantly serves as a platform to address key societal issues.
Fact 14: Discovering Fossils
Malawi is rich in natural history, with researchers discovering dinosaur bones and footprints in the northern region of the country, fossil remains dating back over 100 million years.
Fact 15: National Parks and Wildlife Reserves
Malawi boasts five national parks – Kasungu, Lake Malawi National Park, Lengwe, Liwonde, and Nyika – as well as four wildlife reserves, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
Fact 16: Lake of Stars Music Festival
Every October, Malawi hosts the Lake of Stars Music Festival, which features international and Malawian artists performing a diverse range of music and contributes significantly to local tourism.
Fact 17: Nicknamed "Calendar Lake"
Lake Malawi is also nicknamed "Calendar Lake". This nickname comes from its dimensions: it's 365 miles long and 52 miles wide.
Fact 18: A Nation of Fishermen
Fishing is a significant source of livelihood in Malawi. The annual national fish catch is estimated to be around 30,000-40,000 tons, providing income to over 1.6 million Malawians.
Fact 19: Eclectic Blend of Cuisines
Malawian cuisine is a blend of native flavors and colonial influence, and the staple food is Nsima, a thick maize porridge. A diverse range of dishes feature fish, particularly from Lake Malawi.
Fact 20: Ngoni Warrior Dance
Malawi is home to a spectacular traditional dance, called Ngoma, performed by the Ngoni tribe. This warrior dance is an integral part of Malawian cultural heritage and is often performed at cultural events and ceremonies.