Terrain
Narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains
Climate
Sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)
People
Nationality: Malawian(s)
Population: 17,377,468 (July 2014 est.) Note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AID
Languages: English (official), Chichewa (common), Chinyania, Chiyao, Chitumbuka, Chilomwe, Chinkhonda, Chingoni, Chisena, Chitonga, Chinyakyusa, Chilambya
Religions
Christian 82.6%, Muslim 13%, other 1.9%, none 2.5% (2008 est.)
Economy
Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's most densely populated and least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural with about 80% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture, which has benefited from fertilizer subsidies since 2006, accounts for one-third of GDP and 90% of export revenues. The performance of the tobacco sector is key to short-term growth as tobacco accounts for more than half of exports.
Living Conditions
The majority of the Chewa live in rural areas with little access to health care facilities, schools, or electricity. Types of housing are determined largely by location and the availability of building materials. Huts are either circular or oblong with wattle (woven-stick) walls, plastered outside and inside with mud, and roofed with thatch. However, it is not unusual to find modern, rectangular houses in rural areas.
Government
Multiparty democracy
US Military Presence/Support