|
Malawi is among the world's least developed and most densely populated countries. The economy is heavily agriculture-based, with around 85% of the population living in rural areas. More than one-third of GDP and 90% of export revenues come from agriculture. The economy of Malawi has in the past been dependent on substantial economic aid from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and individual nations. In December 2000, the IMF stopped aid disbursements due to corruption concerns, and many individual donors followed suit, resulting in an almost 80% drop in Malawi's development budget. However, in 2005, Malawi was the recipient of over US$575 million in aid. The Malawian government faces challenges in developing a market economy, improving environmental protection, dealing with the rapidly growing HIV/AIDS problem, improving the education system and satisfying its foreign donors that it is working to become financially independent. Improved financial discipline has been seen since 2005 under the leadership of President Mutharika and Financial Minister Gondwe. As of 2008, it was estimated that Malawi had a GDP of $4.082 billion, with a per capita GDP of $299 and inflation estimated at around 7.9%. Agriculture accounts for 35% of GDP, industry for 19% and services for the remaining 46%. Malawi has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the world, with economic growth a sluggish 3% in 2008, although this appears to be beginning to change as The Economist predicts 2009 economic growth of slightly over 8%, the second-fastest growth rate in the world for the year. The poverty rate in Malawi is decreasing through the work of the government and supporting organizations, with people living under the poverty line decreasing from 54% in 1990 to 40% in 2006, and the percentage of "ultra-poor" decreasing from 24% in 1990 to 15% in 2007.
|
Capital : Lilongwe
13°57′S 33°42′E |
|
Full name: |
Republic of Malaŵi |
Population: |
13,931,831 |
Area: |
118,484 sq km |
Major languages: |
English |
Monetary unit:
|
Kwacha |
GDP per capita: |
$4.082 billion |
Internet domain: |
.mw |
Code: |
International dialling +265 |

|
|
Read more about Malawi on |
 |
|
|