Malawi

The population of Malawi is approximately 23M (2024).

The capital of Malawi is Lilongwe.

Malawi's GDP per capita is $540.21 (2024).

Life expectancy in Malawi is 67.56 years (2024).

Malawi covers 118,484 km² (45,747 sq mi).

Malawi is densely populated, with 192 people per km² — above the global average of 60.

Malawi's population is growing rapidly at 2.6% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Malawi falls in the low GDP-per-person tier at $540.21. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Malawi reports a low intentional homicide rate of 1.8 per 100,000 people, below the global average.

Malawi has 2 official languages: English, Chewa.

Malawi uses the Malawian kwacha (MK) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Malawi are April, May, August, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates indicate that Malawi has a population of approximately 22.8 million people. This reflects a steady annual growth rate of 2.58%, placing the nation at a population rank of 61 of 215 globally and 7 of 16 within the Eastern Africa subregion. The country maintains a high population density of 242 people per km² (626 people per sq mi).

The estimated GDP per capita for Malawi is 540 USD. This figure ranks the nation 209 of 212 globally and 152 of 212 for total nominal GDP, which stands at approximately 11.3 billion USD. The economy is primarily driven by the agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of the Malawian workforce.

Recent data indicates that internet users account for 18.96% of the Malawian population. This connectivity level ranks the nation 197 of 212 globally. The government and private sector are currently working on expanding digital infrastructure to bridge the urban-rural divide and improve access to essential online services.

The adult literacy rate in Malawi is 70.15%, according to the latest available data. This ranks the country 139 of 170 globally. Education remains a national priority, with the government focusing on expanding primary schooling and vocational training to enhance the skills of the growing workforce.

Yes, Malawi is a landlocked country located in Eastern Africa, bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. It covers a total area of 118484 km² (45747 sq mi). While it lacks a maritime coastline, Lake Malawi occupies a significant portion of its territory, providing vital water and fishing resources.

Malawi is currently ranked 61st in the world by total population out of 215 countries and territories. Within its geographical region, it ranks 21st in Africa and 7th in Eastern Africa. These rankings highlight Malawi's significant demographic scale relative to its geographic size within the African continent.

The estimated 2026 population density of Malawi is 241.6 people per km² (625.7 sq mi). This density ranks 10th highest in Africa and 61st globally. Most of the population is concentrated in the fertile central and southern regions, where the land supports intensive subsistence and commercial agriculture.

The population of Malawi is growing rapidly at an annual rate of approximately 2.58%. This expansion is driven by a high crude birth rate of 31.1 per 1,000 people, which significantly outweighs the crude death rate of 5.3 per 1,000. The country gains approximately 1,529 people daily through natural increase.

The current fertility rate in Malawi is 3.59 births per woman, which ranks 41st highest in the world. Although this rate has been gradually declining from historical highs over the last few decades, it remains well above the replacement level, contributing to the country's consistent and rapid population growth.

Approximately 17.3% of Malawi's population lives in urban areas, ranking the country 213th out of 215 nations in terms of urbanization. This indicates that Malawi remains an overwhelmingly rural society, with the vast majority of its approximately 22.8 million residents living in small villages and agricultural communities.