Geography
Malawi shares borders to the north and northeast with Tanzania, to the south, east and southwest with Mozambique and to the west with Zambia. Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, is the dominant feature of the country, forming the eastern boundary with Tanzania and Mozambique.
People
Most Malawians are of Bantu origin. The largest ethnic group is the Chewa. Approximately 80 per cent of the people are Christian and 13 per cent Muslim. The remainder mostly follow traditional beliefs. About 85 per cent of people live in rural villages.
History
The first Westerners to visit Malawi were Portuguese merchants, slave traders, British explorers, such as Dr Livingstone, and missionaries.
HIV and AIDS
AIDS is the leading cause of death for the most productive age group (15 - 49 years). Adult HIV prevalence remains stable at 14 per cent. More than 550,000 children have lost one or both parents and many more children have been made vulnerable. In 2004, the Government announced a programme to tackle HIV and AIDS and began to provide free anti-retroviral medicines.
Health
One-third of adults are malnourished and the growth of half of the children is stunted due to the effects of malnutrition. Under 5 mortality has decreased significantly during recent years, but Malawi still has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Poor sanitation and lack of safe water cause diarrhoea and cholera. Malaria is also common. The health system is struggling to deal with HIV and AIDS .There are few rural clinics and health professionals, with many trained nurses attracted to higher paying jobs overseas.
Rosetta Swinton
PO Box 669
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465