Malawi is located in southern Africa bordered by Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique.  It is landlocked; Lake Nyasa, (Lake Malawi) some 580 km long, is the country's most prominent physical feature.

Malawi ranks among the world's most densely populated and least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 85% of the population living in rural areas.

The government is a multiparty democracy.

• Average income – US$ 170 per person/yr

• Malawi is ranked 156 of 169 countries on UN Human Development Index, Canada is ranked 4th

• The Malawian currency is the Kwacha

• Main exports: Coffee, tea, tobacco & sugar

• Population of approximately 13 million

• Average life expectancy – 43 years (men), 42 (women) vs 83 years in Canada

• HIV-AIDS is a major health issue

• Languages spoken: Chichewa, Tambuka, and English

• Religions: Christian 79.9%, Muslim 12.8%, other 3%, none 4.3% (1998 census)

• Literacy :  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 62.7%
  male: 76.1%
  female: 49.8% (2003 est.)