Map of Malawi

Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique to the west and south. The country covers an area of 118,484 square kilometers (45,747 square miles), making it slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Maryland. The capital city is Lilongwe, located in the central region of the country. Malawi is divided into three main geographical regions: the Central Plateau, the Northern Highlands, and the Southern Highlands. The Central Plateau is a flat, fertile plain that covers much of the country and is home to most of its population. The Northern Highlands are a hilly region with forests and grasslands, while the Southern Highlands are a more mountainous area with valleys and plateaus. Malawi’s culture is diverse and includes influences from both Africa and Europe. The majority of the population is Christian, but there are also sizable Muslim and Hindu minorities. English is the official language, but many people also speak Chichewa, a Bantu language.