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Sheet 101 of 195 · AfricaMWI · 13.4°S 33.8°E

Malawi

Republic of Malawi · Chalo cha Malawi, Dziko la Malaŵi

Capital
Lilongwe
Population
22.2 million 2025
Area
118,484 km²
Neighbours
3
Locator map of MalawiMALAWILilongweMOZAMBIQUEZAMBIATANZANIAZIMBABWEDR CONGOMozambiqueChannel0250 km
Malawi hatched, Lilongwe marked with a triangle, land neighbours shaded. Orthographic projection centred on 13.3°S 34.3°E; the scale bar is true at the centre.

Malawi is a landlocked country in Eastern Africa, bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. Its area of 118,484 km² puts it 98th in the world and 36th of 54 in Africa.

The World Bank counts 22.2 million people in 2025: 60th of 194 worldwide and 21st of 54 in Africa. Density is 188 people per km². Most people live outside urban areas: the urban share was 17.6% in 2025.

In 2025, GDP per capita stood at US$672 in current US dollars: 184th of 191 worldwide, 47th of 52 in Africa. Newborns in 2024 had a life expectancy of 67.6 years. 19.0% of people used the internet in 2024.

Its main landmass lies entirely in the Southern and Eastern hemispheres. From 17.1°S to 9.4°S, it spans about 860 km north to south. The point on the opposite side of the Earth from Lilongwe lies in the North Pacific Ocean, about 1,100 km from the nearest land, the United States.

How it compares Africa: 54 countries

MeasureFigureWorldAfrica
Population22,216,1202025, World Bank60th of 19421st of 54
Area118,484 km²world-countries98th of 19536th of 54
GDPUS$14.9 billion2025, World Bank, current US$146th of 19135th of 52
GDP per capitaUS$6722025, World Bank, current US$184th of 19147th of 52
Population density188 per km²population 2025, World Bank; area, world-countries52nd of 19410th of 54
Life expectancy67.6 years2024, World Bank147th of 19417th of 54
Urban population17.6%2025, World Bank191st of 19454th of 54
Forest area22.0% of land2024, World Bank117th of 19425th of 54
Population growth+2.56% a year2025, World Bank23rd of 19414th of 54
Internet users19.0%2024, World Bank176th of 18844th of 53
Fertility rate3.59 births per woman2024, World Bank41st of 19438th of 54
Land neighbours3world-countries; among the 19583rd of 19531st of 54
 Ranks run from the largest value (1st) among the countries with data; equal values share a rank.

Closest in areaEritrea, North Korea and Benin

Closest in populationZambia, Sri Lanka and Chad

Neighbours 3 countries by land, nearest capital first

  • Zambia613 km
    Lilongwe to Lusaka, capital to capital
  • Tanzania894 km
    Lilongwe to Dodoma, capital to capital
  • Mozambique1,337 km
    Lilongwe to Maputo, capital to capital

Where on Earth main landmass

Hemispheres
Southern and Eastern
Capital
Lilongwe
13.98°S 33.78°E
Northernmost latitude
9.40°S
Southernmost latitude
17.13°S
Westernmost longitude
32.67°E
Easternmost longitude
35.89°E
North to south
about 860 km
Antipode of Lilongwe
13.98°N 146.22°W
in the North Pacific Ocean, about 1,100 km from the nearest land (United States)