• Multi-party democracy since 1994
• Fitch rating Stable
• Under British rule until 1964
• Legal system based on UK legal system
• English language widely spoken
• Export routes to international markets 
• Population 14 million
• Mining sector accounts for 3% GDP

Despite its landlocked geographical position, there are existing trade routes that link Malawi to Mozambique's indian ocean ports.

History and Politics

Malawi was first settled during the 10th century and remained under native rule until 1891 when it was colonized by the British, who ruled the country until 1964. Upon gaining independence it became a single-party state under the presidency of Hastings Banda, who remained president until 1994, when he was ousted from power. Bingu Mutharika, elected in 2004, is the current president, and as of 2008, Malawi has a democratic, multi-party government.  Malawi's foreign policy is pro-Western and includes positive diplomatic relations with most countries and participation in several international organizations.  

Seasons and Climate

Malawi's climate is hot in the low-lying areas in the south of the country and temperate in the northern highlands. The altitude moderates what would be an otherwise equatorial climate. Between November and April the temperature is warm with equatorial rains and thunderstorms, with the storms reaching their peak severity in late March. After March, the rainfall rapidly diminishes and from May to September wet mists float from the highlands into the plateaus, with almost no rainfall during these months.