Malawi

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 174 out of 189 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI).  A staggering 70% of the population live below the international poverty line of $1.90 (PPP) a day.  Malawi has consistently high levels of food insecurity and the population are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.  In Malawi, 39% of children under five have stunted growth.

As families struggle to find enough food to eat, survival takes priority over attending school. Some 46% of primary school aged children drop out of school early.

The World Food Programme estimates that around half of the populations of Central and Southern regions have insufficient food intake.

Life in Malawi

Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa which occupies a narrow strip of land along the East African Rift Valley.  The country is renowned for its spectacular lakes and sprawling highlands.  Lake Nyasa, colloquially known as ‘Lake Malawi’, makes up  more than one-fifth of the country’s total area.

In colonial times, the territory was ruled by the British, under whose control it was originally known as British Central Africa and later Nyasaland.  It later became part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.  It was not until 1964 that the country gained full independence as Malawi.

Often referred to as the small country with the big heart, Malawi is renowned for the warmth of its people.  Malawians typically live with their extended families in small, local villages and there is a real spirit of togetherness and cooperation as family members often share both work and resources.

A person working in Malawi typically earns around 164,000 MKW (Malawian Kwacha) or £147 per month.