Malawi - General

Malawi is one of the 10 poorest countries in the world and suffers from all the problems of an African developing country. It is small and landlocked, with few natural resources that can be exploited. It was given debt relief by the World Bank and IMF in September 2006 which will provide an additional $110 million a year for education, health and other services.

90% of the people live in rural villages without modern facilities, such as electricity. They are subsistence farmers whose ability to feed themselves has been affected by droughts in recent years. Nearly half of the population are children and many have been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In 2005, Malawi faced its worst food shortage in over a decade, with more than 4 million people, 34% of the population, without adequate food supplies.

Unlike some other developing countries, Malawi is a stable, functioning multi-party democracy with strong civil society institutions, a free press and a tradition of peace. The heritage of regional and tribal differences has never erupted into strife.

Despite its economic and health problems, Malawi is known as the "Warm Heart of Africa". The people are resilient and resourceful and deserve the reputation for their legendary warmth and goodwill. Working with them can be inspirational.

Languages : English - official language, Chichewa - most widespread local language, others important regionally

Religions : Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Islam 20%, other 5%

Literacy rate : 63% (2003 est.)