Click here to print. Students are tasked with researching basic information on the country of Malawi. Answers will vary.
Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, is known for its diverse language, population, and economic activities. The official language is English, used in government and education, but Chichewa is the most widely spoken national language and serves as the everyday tongue for most Malawians. Several other regional languages, such as Yao, Tumbuka, and Lomwe, are also spoken across different areas of the country.
Malawi has a population of over 20 million people, with a high percentage living in rural areas. It is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. The population is young, with a large number under the age of 25, and most people rely on subsistence farming for their livelihood.
Agriculture is the backbone of Malawi’s economy, employing nearly 80% of the population. Major crops include maize, cassava, tea, tobacco, and sugarcane. Tobacco has traditionally been the country’s main export crop. In recent years, the government has promoted crop diversification to reduce dependency on tobacco.
Industrially, Malawi is limited but growing, with sectors including food processing, textiles, and construction materials. Hydroelectric power from Lake Malawi and the Shire River supports basic manufacturing. Overall, Malawi's economy is developing, with strong ties to agricultural production and rural labor.
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