The Republic of Malawi

The Republic of Malawi

Malawi  , officially the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west.

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The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi. Malawi is over 118,000 km² (45,560 sq mi) with an estimated population of more than 13,900,000. Its capital isLilongwe, which is also Malawi's largest city; the second largest is Blantyre and the third is Mzuzu. The name Malawi comes from the Maravi, an old name of the Nyanja people that inhabit the area. HP Pavilion DV9790EA Battery

The country is also nicknamed "The Warm Heart of Africa".^[8]

The area of Africa now known as Malawi was colonized by migrating tribes of Bantu around the 10th century. In 1891 the area was colonized again, this time by the British. In 1953 Malawi, then known as Nyasaland, became part of the semi-independent Central African Federation (CAF). HP Pavilion DV9790EB Battery

The Federation was dissolved in 1963 and in 1964, Nyasaland gained full independence and was renamed Malawi. Upon gaining independence it became a single-party state under the presidency ofHastings Banda, who remained president until 1994, when he was ousted from power. HP Pavilion DV9790ED Battery

Joyce Banda (no relation) is the current president, raised to that position after president Bingu Mutharika died in 2012. Malawi has a democratic, multi-party government. Malawi has a small military force that includes an army, a navy and an air wing. Malawi's foreign policy is pro-Western and includes positive diplomatic relations with most countries and participation in severalinternational organizations. HP Pavilion DV9790EF Battery

Malawi is among the world's least-developed countries. The economy is heavily based in agriculture, with a largely rural population. The Malawian government depends heavily on outside aid to meet development needs, although this need (and the aid offered) has decreased since 2000. HP Pavilion DV9790EG Battery

The Malawian government faces challenges in building and expanding the economy, improving education, health care, environmental protection, and becoming financially independent. Malawi has several programs developed since 2005 that focus on these issues, and the country's outlook appears to be improving, with improvements in economic growth, education and healthcare seen in 2007 and 2008. HP Pavilion DV9790EL Battery

Malawi has a low life expectancy and high infant mortality. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which is a drain on the labor force and government expenditures. There is a diverse population of native peoples, Asians and Europeans, with several languages spoken and an array of religious beliefs. HP Pavilion DV9790EO Battery

Although there was tribal conflict in the past, by 2008 it had diminished considerably and the concept of a Malawian nationality had begun to form. Malawi has a culture combining native and colonial aspects, including sports, art, dance and music. HP Pavilion DV9790EP Battery

The area of Africa now known as Malawi had a very small population of hunter gatherers before waves of Bantu-speaking peoples began emigrating from the north around the 10th century. Although most of the Bantu peoples continued south, some remained permanently and founded tribes based on common ancestry.^[9] HP Pavilion DV9790ER Battery

By 1500 AD, the tribes had established a kingdom that reached from north of what is now Nkhotakota to the Zambezi River and from Lake Malawi to the Luangwa Riverin what is now Zambia.^[10]

Soon after 1600, with the area mostly united under one native ruler, HP Pavilion DV9790ES Battery

native tribesmen began encountering, trading with and making alliances with Portuguese traders and members of the military. By 1700, however, the empire had broken up into areas controlled by many individual tribes, which was noted by the Portuguese in their information gathering.^[11] HP Pavilion DV9790ET Battery

The Swahili-Arab slave trade reached its height about 150 years ago, when approximately 20,000 slaves were considered to be carried yearly from Nkhotakota to Kilwa where they were sold.^[12]

David Livingstone reached Lake Malawi (then Lake Nyasa) in 1859,^[13] when Malawi was originally known as Nyasaland under the rule of the British.^[14] HP Pavilion DV9790EW Battery

In a prime example of what is sometimes called the "Thin White Line" of colonial authority in Africa, the colonial government of Nyasaland was formed in 1891. The administrators were given a budget of £10,000 per year, which was enough to employ ten European civilians, two military officers, seventy Punjab Sikhs, and eighty-five Zanzibar porters. HP Pavilion DV9791EO Battery

These few employees were then expected to administer and police a territory of around 94,000 square kilometers with between one and two million people.

In 1944, the Nyasaland African Congress (NAC) was formed by the Africans of Nyasaland to promote local interests to the British government.^[16] 
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In 1953, Britain linked Nyasaland with Northern and Southern Rhodesia in what was known as theCentral African Federation (CAF),^[14] for mainly political reasons.^[17] Even though the Federation was semi-independent the linking provoked opposition from African nationalists, and the NAC gained popular support. HP Pavilion DV9773EG Battery

An influential opponent of the CAF was Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, a European-trained doctor working in Ghana who was persuaded to return to Nyasaland in 1958 to assist the nationalist cause. Banda was elected president of the NAC and worked to mobilize nationalist sentiment before being jailed by colonial authorities in 1959. HP Pavilion DV9774CA Battery

He was released in 1960 and asked to help draft a new constitution for Nyasaland, with a clause granting Africans the majority in the colony's Legislative Counsel.^[9]

In 1961, Banda's Malawi Congress Party (MCP) gained the majority in the Legislative Council elections and Banda became Prime Minister in 1963. HP Pavilion DV9775EE Battery

The Federation was dissolved in 1963, and on 6 July 1964, Nyasaland became independent from British rule and renamed itself Malawi. Under a new constitution, Malawi became a single-party state under MCP rule in 1966, and in 1970 Banda declared himself president-for-life. HP Pavilion DV9775EG Battery

For almost 30 years, Banda ruled firmly, suppressing opposition to his party and ensuring that he had no personal opposition.^[18]

Despite his political severity, however, Malawi's economy while Banda was president was often cited as an example of how a poor,HP Pavilion DV9775LA Battery

landlocked, heavily populated, mineral-poor country could achieve progress in both agriculture and industrial development.^[19] While in office, and using his control of the country, Banda constructed a business empire that eventually produced one-third of the country's GDP and employed 10% of the wage-earning workforce.^[20] HP Pavilion DV9778EG Battery

Under pressure for increased political freedom, Banda agreed to a referendum in 1993, where the populace voted for a multi-party democracy. In late 1993 a presidential council was formed, the life presidency was abolished and a new constitution was put into place, effectively ending the MCP's rule.^[18] HP Pavilion DV9778EO Battery

In 1994 thefirst multi-party elections were held in Malawi, and Bakili Muluzi became president. Muluzi remained president until 2004, when Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika was elected. Although the political environment is described as "challenging", as of 2009, the multi-party system still exists in Malawi.^[21] HP Pavilion DV9779EO Battery

Multiparty parliamentary and presidential elections were held for the fourth time in Malawi in May 2009, and President Mutharika was successfully re-elected, despite charges of election fraud from his rival.^[22]

President Mutharika was seen by some as increasingly autocratic and dismissive of human rights,^[23] HP Pavilion DV9780EA Battery

and in July 2011 protests over high costs of living, devolving foreign relations, poor governance and a lack of foreign exchange reserves erupted.^[24] The protests left 18 people dead and at least 44 others suffering from gun shot wounds.^[25] In April 2012, Mutharika died of a heart attack; the presidential title was taken over by former Vice President Joyce Banda.^[26] HP Pavilion DV9780EB Battery

Politics

Malawi is a democratic, multi-party government, currently under the leadership of Joyce Banda.^[18] The current constitution was put into place on May 18, 1995. The branches of the government consist of executive, legislative and judicial. HP Pavilion DV9780ED Battery

The executive includes a president who is both chief of state and head of government, first and second vice presidents and a cabinet. The president is elected every five years, and the vice president is elected with the president. A second vice president may be appointed by the president if he so chooses, although they must be from a different party. HP Pavilion DV9780EG Battery

The members of the cabinet are appointed by the president and can be from either inside or outside of the legislature.^[10]

The legislative branch consists of a unicameral National Assembly of 193 members who are elected every five years, HP Pavilion DV9780EO Battery

and although the Malawian constitution provides for a Senate of 80 seats, one does not exist in practice. If created, the Senate would provide representation for traditional leaders and a variety of geographic districts, as well as special interest groups including the disabled, youth and women. HP Pavilion DV9780EP Battery

The independent judicial branch is based upon the English model and consists of a constitutional court, a High Court, a Supreme Court of Appeal and subordinate Magistrate Courts. There are currently nine political parties, with theDemocratic Progressive Party acting as the ruling party and the Malawi Congress Party and the United Democratic Front acting as the main opposition parties in the National Assembly. HP Pavilion DV9780ES Battery

Suffrage is universal at 18 years of age, and the central government budget for 2009/2010 is $1.7 billion.^[10]

Malawi is composed of three regions (the Northern, Central and Southern regions),^[5] which are divided into 28 districts,^[27] HP Pavilion DV9780ET Battery

and further into approximately 250 traditional authorities and 110 administrative wards.^[5] Local government is administered by central government-appointed regional administrators and district commissioners. For the first time in the multi-party era, local elections took place on November 21, 2000, with the UDF party winning 70% of the available seats. HP Pavilion DV9780EW Battery

There was scheduled to be a second round of constitutionally mandated local elections in May 2005, but these were canceled by the government.^[10]

In February 2005, President Mutharika split with the United Democratic Front and began his own party, HP Pavilion DV9780EZ Battery

the Democratic Progressive Party, which has attracted reform-minded officials from other parties and is winning elections across the country as of 2006. As of 2008, President Mutharika has implemented reforms to address the country's major corruption problem, with at least five senior UDF party members facing criminal charges.^[28] HP Pavilion DV9780LA Battery

In 2008, Malawi was ranked 11th of all countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2008 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, an index that measures several variables to provide a comprehensive view of the governance of African countries.^[29]

The military of Malawi consists of an army, a navy and an air wing, all considered to form different sections of the Malawian Army.HP Pavilion DV9784EG Battery

Between the three forces there are approximately 5,500 military personnel, 1,500 paramilitary police and ten aircraft, none of which are combat aircraft. The navy division is based out of Monkey Bay on Lake Malawi.^[30]

Foreign relations

Former President Banda established a pro-Western foreign policy that continued into early 2011. HP Pavilion DV9785EG Battery

It included good diplomatic relationships with many Western countries. The transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy strengthened Malawian ties with the United States. Significant numbers of students from Malawi travel to the US for schooling, and the US has active branches of the Peace Corps, HP Pavilion DV9785LA Battery

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Agency for International Development in Malawi. Malawi maintained close relations with South Africa throughout the Apartheid era, which strained Malawi's relationships with other African countries. HP Pavilion DV9787EG Battery

Following the collapse of apartheid in 1994, diplomatic relationships were made and maintained into 2011 between Malawi and all other African countries. In 2010, however, Malawi's relationship with Mozambique became strained, partially due to disputes over the use of the Zambezi River and an inter-country electrical grid. HP Pavilion DV9765EG Battery

In 2007, Malawi established diplomatic ties with China, and Chinese investment in the country has continued to increase since then, despite concerns regarding treatment of workers by Chinese companies and competition of Chinese business with local companies. HP Pavilion DV9766EZ Battery

In 2011, relations between Malawi and the United Kingdom was damaged when a document was released in which the British ambassador to Malawi criticized President Mutharika. Mutharika expelled the ambassador from Malawi, and in July 2011, the UK announced that it was suspending all budgetary aid because of Mutharika's lack of response to criticisms of his government and economic mismanagement. HP Pavilion DV9767EG Battery

On July 26, 2011, the United States followed suit, freezing a US$350 million grant, citing concerns regarding the government's suppression and intimidation of demonstrators and civic groups, as well as restriction of the press and police violence.^[33] HP Pavilion DV9767EO Battery

alawi has been seen as a haven for refugees from other African countries, including Mozambique and Rwanda, since 1985. These influxes of refugees have placed a strain on the Malawian economy but have also drawn significant inflows of aid from other countries. HP Pavilion DV9769EG Battery

Donors to Malawi include the United States, Canada, Germany, Iceland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Ireland and the UK, as well as international institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the European Union, theAfrican Development Bank and UN organizations. HP Pavilion DV9770EA Battery

Malawi is a member of several international organizations including the UN and some of its child agencies, the IMF, the World Bank, the African Union and the World Health Organization. Malawi tends to view economic and political stability in southern Africa as a necessity, and advocates peaceful solutions through negotiation. HP Pavilion DV9770ED Battery

The country was the first in southern Africa to receive peacekeeping training under the African Crisis Response Initiative.^[10]

Human rights

As of 2010, international observers noted issues in several human rights areas. HP Pavilion DV9770EF Battery

Excessive force was seen to be used by police forces, security forces were able to act with impunity, mob violence was occasionally seen, and prison conditions continued to be harsh and sometimes life threatening. However, the government was seen to make some effort to prosecute security forces who used excessive force. HP Pavilion DV9770EG Battery

Other legal issues included limits on free speech and freedom of the press, lengthy pretrial detentions, and arbitrary arrests and detentions. Societal issues found included violence against women, human trafficking and child labor. Corruption within the government is seen as a major issue, despite the Malawi Anti-Corruption Bureau's (ACB) attempts to reduce it. HP Pavilion DV9770EL Battery

The ACB appears to be successful at finding and prosecuting low level corruption, but higher level officials appear to be able to act with impunity. Corruption within security forces is also an issue.^[34]

As of 2010, homosexuality was illegal in Malawi, and in one recent case, a couple perceived as homosexual faced extensive jail time when convicted.^[35] HP Pavilion DV9770EO Battery

The convicted pair, sentenced to the maximum of 14 years of hard labor each, were pardoned two weeks later following the intervention of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.^[36]

Geography

Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, bordered by Zambia to the northwest, HP Pavilion DV9770ES Battery

Tanzania to the northeast and Mozambique to the south, southwest and southeast. It lies between latitudes 9° and 18°S, and longitudes 32° and 36°E.

The Great Rift Valley runs through the country from north to south, and to the east of the valley lies Lake Malawi (also called Lake Nyasa), making up over three-quarters of Malawi's eastern boundary.^[9] HP Pavilion DV9770EV Battery

Lake Malawi is sometimes called the Calendar Lake as it is about 365 miles (587 km) long and 52 miles (84 km) wide.^[37] The Shire River flows from the south end of the lake and joins the Zambezi River 250 miles (400 km) farther south in Mozambique. HP Pavilion DV9770EW Battery

The surface of Lake Malawi is located at 1,500 feet (457 m) above sea level, with a maximum depth of 2,300 feet (701 m), which means the lake bottom is over 700 feet (213 m) below sea level at some points.

In the mountainous sections of Malawi surrounding the Rift Valley, HP Pavilion DV9770LA Battery

plateaus rise generally 3,000 to 4,000 feet (914 to 1,219 m) above sea level, although some rise as high as 8,000 feet (2,438 m) in the north. To the south of Lake Malawi lie the Shire Highlands, gently rolling land at approximately 3,000 feet (914 m) above sea level. In this area, the Zomba and Mlanje mountain peaks rise to respective heights of 7,000 feet (2,134 m) and 10,000 feet (3,048 m).^[9] HP Pavilion DV9750US Battery

Malawi's capital is Lilongwe, and its commercial center is Blantyre with a population of over 500,000 people.^[9] Malawi has two sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Lake Malawi National Park was first listed in 1984 and the Chongoni Rock Art Areawas listed in 2006.^[38] HP Pavilion DV9751EF Battery

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. HP Pavilion DV9751EO Battery

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.^[9]

Economy

Malawi is among the world's least-developed and most-densely populated countries. Around 85% of the population live in rural areas. HP Pavilion DV9752EO Battery

The economy is based on agriculture, and more than one-third of GDP and 90% of export revenues come from this. In the past, the economy has been dependent on substantial economic aid from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other countries.^[27] HP Pavilion DV9753EO Battery

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.^[28] However, in 2005, Malawi was the recipient of over US$575 million in aid. The Malawian government faces challenges in developing a market economy, HP Pavilion DV9755ED Battery

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 had been seen since 2005 under the leadership of President Mutharika and Financial Minister Gondwe. HP Pavilion DV9757EO Battery

This discipline has since evaporated as shown by the purchase in 2009 of a private presidential jet followed almost immediately by a nationwide fuel shortage which was officially blamed on logistical problems, but was more likely due to the hard currency shortage caused by the jet purchase.^[39][40][41] The overall cost to the economy (and healthcare system) is unknown. HP Pavilion DV9757EZ Battery

In addition, some setbacks have been experienced, and Malawi has lost some of its ability to pay for imports due to a general shortage of foreign exchange, as investment fell 23% in 2009. There are many investment barriers in Malawi, which the government has failed to address, including high service costs and poor infrastructure for power, water, and telecommunications.HP Pavilion DV9758CA Battery

As of 2009, it was estimated that Malawi had a GDP (purchasing power parity) of $12.81 billion, with a per capita GDP of $900, and inflation estimated at around 8.5% in 2009.^[27]

Agriculture accounts for 35% of GDP, industry for 19% and services for the remaining 46%.^[21] HP Pavilion DV9760ED Battery

Malawi has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the world,^[28] although economic growth was estimated at 9.7% in 2008 and strong growth is predicted by the International Monetary Fund for 2009.^[42] The poverty rate in Malawi is decreasing through the work of the government and supporting organizations, HP Pavilion DV9760EF Battery

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.^[43]

Malawi was ranked the 119th safest investment destination in the world in the March 2011 Euromoney Country Risk rankings.^[44]HP Pavilion DV9760EI Battery

Agriculture and industry

The main agricultural products of Malawi include tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, sorghum, cattle and goats. The main industries are tobacco, tea and sugar processing, sawmill products, cement and consumer goods. HP Pavilion DV9760EL Battery

The industrial production growth rate is estimated at 10% (2009). The country makes no significant use of natural gas. As of 2008, Malawi does not import or export any electricity, but does import all its petroleum, with no production in country.^[27] Beginning in 2006, the country began mixing unleaded petrol with 10% ethanol, produced in-country at two plants, to reduce dependence on imported fuel. HP Pavilion DV9760EO Battery

In 2008, Malawi began testing cars that ran solely on ethanol, and initial results are promising, and the country is continuing to increase its use of ethanol.^[45]

As of 2009, Malawi exports an estimated US$945 million in goods per year. HP Pavilion DV9760EZ Battery

The country's heavy reliance on tobacco places a heavy burden on the economy as world prices decline and the international community increases pressure to limit tobacco production. Malawi's dependence on tobacco is growing, with the product jumping from 53% to 70% of export revenues between 2007 and 2008. HP Pavilion DV9762EO Battery

The country also relies heavily on tea, sugar and coffee, with these three plus tobacco making up more than 90% of Malawi's export revenue.^[27][28] Because of a rise in costs and a decline in sales prices, Malawi is encouraging farmers away from tobacco towards more profitable crops, including spices such as paprika. HP Pavilion DV9762EZ Battery

India hemp is another possible alternative, but arguments have been made that it will bring more crime to the country through its resemblance to varieties of cannabis used as a recreational drug and the difficulty in distinguishing between the two types.^[46] HP Pavilion DV9764EG Battery

This concern is especially important because the cultivation of Malawian cannabis, known as Malawi Gold, as a drug has increased significantly.^[47] Malawi is known for growing "the best and finest" cannabis in the world for recreational drug use, according to a recent World Bank report, and cultivation and sales of the crop may contribute to corruption within the police force.^[48] HP Pavilion DV9747CL Battery

Other exported goods are cotton, peanuts, wood products and apparel. The main destination locations for the country's exports are South Africa, Germany, Egypt, Zimbabwe, the United States, Russia and the Netherlands. Malawi currently imports an estimated US$1.625 billion in goods per year, HP Pavilion DV9747EF Battery

with the main commodities being food, petroleum products, consumer goods and transportation equipment. The main countries that Malawi imports from are South Africa, India, Zambia, Tanzania, the US and China.^[27]

In 2006, in response to disastrously low agricultural harvests, Malawi began a program of fertilizer subsidies that were designed to re-energize the land and boost crop production. HP Pavilion DV9747TX Battery

It has been reported that this program, championed by the country's president, is radically improving Malawi's agriculture, and causing Malawi to become a net exporter of food to nearby countries.^[49]

Infrastructure

As of 2009, Malawi has 32 airports, 6 with paved runways and 26 with unpaved runways. HP Pavilion DV9748CA Battery

The country has 495 miles (797 km) ofrailways, all narrow-gauge, and 9,601 miles (15,451 km) of roadways, 4,322 miles (6,956 km) paved and 5,279 miles (8,496 km) unpaved. Malawi also has 435 miles (700 km) of waterways on Lake Malawi and along the Shire River.^[27]

As of 2010, there were 3.038 million cell phones, up from 1.781 million in 2008. HP Pavilion DV9748TX Battery

As of 2008, there were 236,000 land linetelephones in Malawi. There were 716, 400 Internet users in 2010 (up from 316,100 Internet users as of 2008), and 1092 Internet hosts as of 2010. As of 2001 there were 14 radio stations and 1 TV station.^[27] In the past, Malawi's telecommunications system has been named as some of the poorest in Africa, HP Pavilion DV9749EF Battery

but conditions are improving, with 130,000 land line telephones being connected between 2000 and 2007. Telephones are much more accessible in urban areas, with less than a quarter of land lines being in rural areas.^[50] HP Pavilion DV9750ED Battery

Demographics

Malawi has a population of over 15 million, with a growth rate of 2.75%, according to 2009 estimates.^[27] The population is forecast to grow to over 45 million people by 2050, nearly tripling the estimated 16 million in 2010.^[51] HP Pavilion DV9750EF Battery

Malawi's population is made up of the Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni and Ngonde native ethnic groups, as well as populations of Asians and Europeans. Major languages include English, an official language,Chichewa spoken by over 57% of the population, Chinyanja (12.8%), Chiyao (10.1%) and Chitumbuka (9.5%).^[27] HP Pavilion DV9750EG Battery

Other native languages are Malawian Lomwe, spoken by around 250,000 in the southeast of the country; Kokola, spoken by around 200,000 people also in the southeast; Lambya, spoken by around 45,000 in the northwestern tip; Ndali, spoken by around 70,000; Nyakyusa-Ngonde, spoken by around 300,000 in northern Malawi; HP Pavilion DV9750EJ Battery

Malawian Sena, spoken by around 270,000 in southern Malawi; and Tonga, spoken by around 170,000 in the north.^[52]

Religion

According to 2007 estimates, approximately 80% of the population is Christian, with the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Central Africa, HP Pavilion DV9750EL Battery

Presbyterian making up the largest Christian groups. There are also smaller numbers of Anglicans, Baptists, evangelicals and Seventh-day Adventists. Around 13% of the population is Muslim, with most of the Muslim population being Sunni, of either the Qadriya or Sukkutu groups. HP Pavilion DV9750EO Battery

Other religious groups within the country include Jews, Rastafarians, Hindus and Baha'is.Atheists make up around 4% of the population, although this number may include people who practice traditional African religions.^[53]

Health

Malawi has central hospitals, regional and private facilities. HP Pavilion DV9750EP Battery

The public sector offers free health services and medicines, whilenon-government organizations offers services and medicines for fees. Private doctors offer fee-based services and medicines. Health insurance schemes have been established since 2000.^[54] The country has a pharmaceutical manufacturing industry consisting of four privately owned pharmaceutical companies. HP Pavilion DV9750ER Battery

Malawi's healthcare goal is for "promoting health, preventing, reducing and curing disease, and reducing the occurrence of premature death in the population".^[55]

Infant mortality rates are high, and life expectancy at birth is 50.03 years. HP Pavilion DV9750EV Battery

There is a high adult prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS, with an estimated 930,000 adults (or 11.9% of the population) living with the disease in 2007. There are approximately 68,000 deaths a year from HIV/AIDS (2007).^[27] Approximately 250 new people are infected each day, and at least 70% of Malawi's hospital beds are occupied by HIV/AIDS patients. HP Pavilion DV9740EL Battery

The high rate of infection has resulted in an estimated 5.8% of the farm labor force dying of the disease. The government spends over $120,000 each year on funerals for civil servants who die of the disease.^[28] In 2006, international superstar Madonna started Raising Malawi, HP Pavilion DV9740EO Battery

a foundation that helps AIDS orphans in Malawi, and also financed a documentary about the hardships experienced by Malawian orphans, called I Am Because We Are.^[56] Raising Malawi also works with the Millennium Villages Project to improve education, health care, infrastructure and agriculture in Malawi.^[57] HP Pavilion DV9740ES Battery

There is a very high degree of risk for major infectious diseases, including bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, malaria, plague,schistosomiasis and rabies.^[27] Malawi has been making progress on decreasing child mortality and reducing the incidences of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; HP Pavilion DV9740TX Battery

however, the country has been "[performing] dismally" on reducing maternal mortality and promoting gender equality.^[43]

Education

In Malawi, primary education is not compulsory, but the Constitution requires that all people be entitled to at least five years of primary education. HP Pavilion DV9740US Battery

In 1994, free primary education for all children was established by the government, which increased attendance rates. Dropout rates are higher for girls than boys,^[58] attributed to security problems during the long travel to school, as girls face a higher prevalence of gender-based violence. HP Pavilion DV9741EO Battery

However, attendance rates for all children are improving, with enrollment rates for primary schools increased from 58% in 1992 to 75% in 2007, while the number of students who begin in grade one and complete grade five has increased from 64% in 1992 to 86% in 2006. Youth literacy has also increased, moving from 68% in 2000 to 82% in 2007. HP Pavilion DV9741TX Battery

This increase is primarily attributed to improved learning materials in schools, better infrastructure and feeding programs that have been implemented throughout the school system.^[43]

Culture

The name "Malawi" comes from the Maravi, a Bantu people who immigrated from the southern Congo around 1400 AD. HP Pavilion DV9742TX Battery

Upon reaching northern Lake Malawi, the group divided, with one group moving south down the west bank of the lake to become the group known as the Chewa, while the other group, the ancestors of today's Nyanja, moved along the east side of the lake to the southern section of Malawi. HP Pavilion DV9743CL Battery

Ethnic conflict and continuing migration prevented the formation of a society that was uniquely and cohesively Malawian until the dawn of the 20th century. Over the past century, ethnic distinctions have diminished to the point where there is no significant inter-ethnic friction, although regional divisions still occur. HP Pavilion DV9743TX Battery

The concept of a Malawian nationality has begun to form around a predominantly rural people who are generally conservative and traditionally nonviolent.^[10]

From 1964–2010, the Flag of Malawi was made up of three equal horizontal stripes of black, red and green with a red rising sun superimposed in the center of the black stripe. HP Pavilion DV9744CA Battery

The black stripe represented the African people, the red represented the blood of martyrs for African freedom, green represented Malawi's ever-green nature and the rising sun represented the dawn of freedom and hope for Africa.^[1] In 2010, the flag was changed, removing the red rising sun and adding a full white sun in the center as a symbol of Malawi'seconomic progress. HP Pavilion DV9744EF Battery

A strong part of Malawi's culture are its dances, and the National Dance Troupe (formerly the Kwacha Cultural Troupe) was formed in November 1987 by the government.^[38] Traditional music and dances can be seen at initiation rites, rituals, marriage ceremonies and celebrations. HP Pavilion DV9744EL Battery

Soccer is the most common sport in Malawi, introduced there during British colonial rule. Basketball is also growing in popularity.^[60]

The indigenous ethnic groups of Malawi have a rich tradition of basketry and mask carving, and some of these goods are used in traditional ceremonies still performed by native peoples. HP Pavilion DV9744EO Battery

Wood carving and oil painting are also popular in more urban centers, with many of the items produced being sold to tourists. There are several internationally recognized literary figures from Malawi, including poet Jack Mapanje, history and fiction writer Paul Zeleza and authors Legson Kayira, Felix Mnthali, Frank Chipasula and David Rubadiri. HP Pavilion DV9744ES Battery

The History of Malawi covers the area of present-day Malawi. The region was once part of the Maravi Empire. In colonial times it was known as British Central Africa and Nyasaland and was at one time part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The country reached full independence, as Malawi, in 1964.

Oil was first found there in the late 19th century. HP Pavilion DV9744TX Battery

Prehistory

Hominid remains and stone implements have been identified in Malawi dating back more than one million years, and early humans inhabited the vicinity of Lake Malawi50,000 to 60,000 years ago. HP Pavilion DV9745TX Battery

Human remains at a site dated about 8000 BC show physical characteristics similar to peoples living today in the Horn of Africa. At another site, dated 1500 BC, the remains possess features resembling Bushmen people. HP Pavilion DV9746TX Battery

These short people with copper colored skin were known as the Akafula or Batwa. They are responsible for rock paintings found south of Lilongwe in Chencherere and Mphunzi.

The Maravi Empire

The name Malawi is thought to derive from the word Maravi. The people of the Maravi Empire were iron workers. Maravi is thought to mean "rays of light" and may have come from the sight of many kilns lighting up the night sky. HP Pavilion DV9730TX Battery

A dynasty known as the Maravi Empire was founded by the Amaravi people in the late 15th century. The Amaravi, who eventually became known as the Chewa (a word possibly derived from a term meaning "foreigner"), HP Pavilion DV9730US Battery

migrated to Malawi from the region of the modern dayRepublic of Congo to escape unrest and disease. The Chewa attacked the Akafula, who settled in small family clans without a unified system of protection. Using a system of destruction they would later employ in hunting predatory animals, the Chewa hunted down and butchered the Akafula. HP Pavilion DV9731CA Battery

Eventually encompassing most of modern Malawi, as well as parts of modern day Mozambique and Zambia, the Maravi Empire began on the southwestern shores of Lake Malawi. The head of the empire during its expansion was the Kalonga (also spelt Karonga). The Kalonga ruled from his headquarters in Mankhamba. HP Pavilion DV9731TX Battery

Under the leadership of the Kalonga, sub-chiefs were appointed to occupy and subdue new areas. The empire began to decline during the early 18th century when fighting among the sub-chiefs and the burgeoning slave trade weakened the Maravi Empire's authority.

The Portuguese

Initially the Maravi Empire's economy was largely dependent on agriculture, the majority being the production of millet and sorghum. HP Pavilion DV9732TX Battery

It was during the Maravi Empire, some time during the 16th century, that Europeans first came into contact with the people of Malawi. Under the Maravi Empire, the Chewa had access to the coast of modern day Mozambique. Through this coastal area, the Chewa traded ivory, iron, and slaves with the Portuguese and Arabs. HP Pavilion DV9733TX Battery

Trade was enhanced by the common language of Chewa which was spoken throughout the Maravi Empire.

The Portuguese reached the area via the Mozambican port of Tete in the 16th century and gave the first written reports on the people of Malawi. HP Pavilion DV9734NR Battery

The Portuguese were also responsible for the introduction of maize to the region. Maize would eventually replace sorghum as the staple of the Malawian diet. Malawian tribes traded slaves with the Portuguese. These slaves were sent mainly to work on Portuguese plantations in Mozambique or to Brazil. HP Pavilion DV9734TX Battery

The Angoni

The decline of the Maravi Empire resulted from the entrance of two powerful groups into the region of Malawi. In the 19th century, the Angoni or Ngoni people and their chief Zwangendaba arrived from the Natal region of modern day South Africa. HP Pavilion DV9735EL Battery

The Angoni were part of a great migration, known as the mfecane, of people fleeing from the head of the Zulu Empire, Shaka Zulu. The Ngoni people settled mostly in what is modern day central Malawi; particularly Ntcheu and parts of Dedza districts. However, some groups proceeded north; entering Tanzania and settling around Lake Victoria. HP Pavilion DV9735ES Battery

But splinter groups broke off and headed back south; settling in modern day northern Malawi, particularly Mzimba district where they mixed with another migrant group coming from across Lake Malawi called the Bawoloka. Clearly, themfecane had a significant impact on Southern Africa. HP Pavilion DV9735TX Battery

The Angoni adopted Shaka's military tactics to subdue the lesser tribes, including the Maravi, they found along their way. Staging from rocky areas, the Ngoni impis would raid the Chewa (also called Achewa) and plunder food, oxen and women. HP Pavilion DV9736CA Battery

Young men were drawn in as new fighting forces while older men were reduced to domestic slaves and/or disposed off to Arab slave traders operating from the Lake Malawi regions.

The Ayao

The second group to take power around this time were the Ayao (or Yao). HP Pavilion DV9736TX Battery

The Yao came to Malawi from northern Mozambique to escape famine and conflict with the Makuatribe. The Makua tribe had become enemies of the Yao because of the wealth the Yao were amassing through trading ivory and slaves to Arabs from Zanzibar. The Yao, upon migrating to Malawi, soon began attacking both the Achewa and Angoni people to capture prisoners who they later sold as slaves. HP Pavilion DV9737EF Battery

The Yao were the first, and for a long while, the only group to use firearms in conflict with other tribes. The Yao ruling class chose in 1870 to follow Islam like their Arab trading partners rather than the traditional animism. HP Pavilion DV9737TX Battery

As a benefit of their conversion, the Yao were provided with sheikhs who promoted literacy and founded mosques. The Arab traders also introduced the cultivation of rice, which became a major crop in the lake region.

The Arabs and their Swahili allies

Using their strong partnership with the Yao, HP Pavilion DV9738ES Battery

the Arab traders set up several trading posts along the shore of Lake Malawi. The largest of these posts was founded in 1840 at Nkhotakota by an Arabic trader from the coast, Jumbe Salim Bin Abdalla. During the height of his power, Jumbe transported between 5,000 and 20,000 slaves through Nkhotakota annually. HP Pavilion DV9738TX Battery

From Nkhotakota, the slaves were transported in caravans of no less than 500 slaves to the small island of Kilwa Kisiwani off the coast of modern day Tanzania. The founding of these various posts effectively shifted the slave trade in Malawi from the Portuguese in Mozambique to the Arabs of Zanzibar. HP Pavilion DV9739EF Battery

Although the Yao and the Angoni continually clashed with each other, neither was able to win a decisive victory. The remaining members of the Maravi Empire, however, were nearly wiped out in attacks from both sides. Some Achewa chiefs saved themselves by creating alliances with the Swahili people who were allied with the Arab slave traders. HP Pavilion DV9739TX Battery

The Lomwe of Malawi

The Lomwe of Malawi are a recent introduction having arrived as late as 1914, during the first World War. The Lomwe came from a hill in Mozambique called uLomwe, north of the Zambezi River and south east of Lake Chilwa in Malawi. HP Pavilion DV9740CA Battery

Theirs was also a story of hunger largely instigated by the Portuguese settlers moving into the neighbourhoods of uLomwe.^[1] To escape from the ill-treatment (including the Portuguese physically pounding to death live infants in wooden mortars to extract local allegiance), the Lomwe headed north and entered Malawi through the southern tip of lake Chilwa; HP Pavilion DV9740EA Battery

settling in Phalombe and Mulanje areas. In Mulanje they found gainful employment on teas estates that various British companies were establishing on the foothills of Mount Mulanje. Later they spread into Thyolo [again getting employment on tea estates] and Chiradzulu. HP Pavilion DV9723CA Battery

The Lomwe readily mixed with the local Manga'nja tribes, as there are no reported cases of tribal conflict. Indeed, the tribal network with the Manga'nja was very good so that when John Chilembwe, the revolutionary clergyman, ran foul with the British planters at Nguludi in Chiradzulu, he used this network to escape towards Mozambique. HP Pavilion DV9723CL Battery

Unfortunately, the British terrirotial forces caught up with him before he could cross the border.

European explorers, missionaries and traders

After the Portuguese arrival in the area in the 16th century, the next significant Western contact was the arrival of David Livingstone along the shore of Lake Malawi in 1859. HP Pavilion DV9723TX Battery

Subsequently, Scottish Presbyterian churches established missions in Malawi, such as the one in Blantyre founded in 1876. One of their objectives was to end the slave trade to the Persian Gulf that continued until the end of the 19th century. In 1878, a number of traders, mostly from Glasgow, HP Pavilion DV9724CA Battery

formed the African Lakes Companyto supply goods and services to the missionaries. Other missionaries, traders, hunters, and planters soon followed.

The independence struggle

The history of Nyasaland was marked by a number of unsuccessful Malawian attempts to obtain independence. HP Pavilion DV9724TX Battery

A growing European and United States-educated African elite. This included John Chilembwe; taken and educated in the USA by a missionary family. Later he returned to Nyasaland to resist the British practices of 'recruiting' African men into the Kings African Rifles (KAR) as forced labor and carriers. HP Pavilion DV9725EF Battery

After John Chilembwe's tragic death other more vocal and politically active groups-first through associations-emerged. In 1944, the Nyasaland African Congress (NAC), inspired by the African National Congress [South Africa] Peace Charter of 1914, emerged.HP Pavilion DV9725TX Battery

NAC soon spread across Southern African with powerful branches emerging among migrant Malawian workers in Salisbury (now Harare) inRhodesia and Lusaka, in Zambia. When the cash strapped NAC Executive Council voted to send a team to London to persuade Dr. Banda to return to Malawi and lead the movement, HP Pavilion DV9726TX Battery

the powerful Salisbury Branch raised the funds required for the two men, Masauko Chipembere and Harry Bwanausi, to make the boat trip to England.^[2] They finally rendezvous with Dr. Banda at the Port of Liverpool (on his way from Ghana) to sort out the mess in his private life over the former Mrs. French. HP Pavilion DV9727CL Battery

Banda agreed to return to Malawi whereupon the team returned to Nyasaland. However, it would be months before Dr. Banda's whereabouts could be known leading to his scheduled arrival at Chileka Airport in 1958 being postponed twice; HP Pavilion DV9727EF Battery

causing the local white Police to forcefully remove 'disappointed' crowds that had threatened to storm theBOAC flight, inside of which they had believed Dr. Banda was being held hostage! Finally Dr. Banda arrived in Nyasaland on 6 July 1958 and proceeded to cause a storm and a shiver among the local British settlers with his powerful speeches and demand that the 'Stupid Federation' be abandoned 'Now! Now! Now!' HP Pavilion DV9727TX Battery

His trips across the country attracted large crowds of Africans and the country was in a state of turmoil. However, the British weathered some of his vociferous talk and Dr. Banda gradually settled for a long slog by opening a medical surgery in Limbe where, to thank John Kadzamira (one of the main organizers of the Harare NAC Branch), HP Pavilion DV9727US Battery

Dr. Banda dutifully took in Cecilia Kadzamira (a newly trained nurse from Salisbury Hospital) as his first nursing staff member! To control the volatile political situation Dr. Banda created, through an emotive public speech (while suffering from a rare bout of malaria): that the British intended his death,^[3] the Federation Government arrested Dr. Banda and sent him to Gwelo in Rhodesia.HP Pavilion DV9728CA Battery

It took a different kind of tinder to ignite the struggle for political independence in Malawi. Alec Russell says: '...for the many colorful episodes in Banda's rise to power..[one can be attributed to the] tale of 'the bruising of Miss Phombeya's toe' [Alec Russell - Big Men, Little People]. HP Pavilion DV9728CL Battery

She was a young woman who came to theRyall's Hotel in Blantyre, where Harold Macmillan was lunching on the homeward leg of his famous 'wind of change' tour in Cape Town. A junior officer in Macmillan's advance entourage owed Miss Phombeya some money for 'services rendered'. HP Pavilion DV9728TX Battery

But instead of paying up, local police officers panicked and tried to get rid of Miss Phombeya (now visibly parading her anger in front of the verandah restaurant) in the process hurting her toe; whereupon a crowd soon gathered outside Ryall's Hotel HP Pavilion DV9729TX Battery

and quickly the mood shifted from the 'hurting toe' to protesting the imprisonment of Banda and other local leaders by the federation government.

The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland

During the 1950s, pressure for independence increased when Nyasaland was joined with Northern and Southern Rhodesia in 1953 to form the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. HP Pavilion DV9730CA Battery

In July 1958, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda returned to the country after a long absence in the United States (where he had obtained his medical degree atMeharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee in 1937), the United Kingdom (where he practised medicine), and Ghana. He assumed leadership of the NAC, which later became the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). HP Pavilion DV9730EB Battery

In 1959, Banda was sent to Gwelo Prison for his political activities but was released in 1960 to participate in a constitutional conference in London.

On 15 April 1961, the MCP won an overwhelming victory in elections for a new Legislative Council. HP Pavilion DV9730EF Battery

It also gained an important role in the new Executive Council and ruled Nyasaland in all but name a year later. In a second constitutional conference in London in November 1962, the British Government agreed to give Nyasaland self-governing status the following year.

The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was dissolved on 31 December 1963. HP Pavilion DV9730EI Battery

Self-governing status for Nyasaland

Hastings Banda became Prime Minister on 1 February 1963, although the British still controlled the country's financial, security, and judicial systems. A new constitution took effect in May 1963, providing for virtually complete internal self-government. HP Pavilion DV9730EP Battery

Malawian independence

Malawi became a fully independent member of the Commonwealth (formerly the British Commonwealth) on 6 July 1964. Two years later, Malawi adopted a republican constitution and became a one-party state with Hastings Banda as its first president. HP Pavilion DV9730ET Battery

One-party rule

In 1970 Hastings Banda was declared President for life of the MCP, and in 1971 Banda consolidated his power and was named President for life of Malawi itself. The paramilitary wing of the Malawi Congress Party, the Young Pioneers, helped keep Malawi under authoritarian control until the 1990s. HP Pavilion DV9730EV Battery

Banda, who was always referred to as "His Excellency the Life President Ngwazi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda", was a dictator. Allegiance to him was enforced at every level. Every business building was required to have an official picture of Banda hanging on the wall. No other poster, clock, or picture could be placed higher on the wall than the president's picture. HP Pavilion DV9730NR Battery

The national anthem was played before most events - including movies, plays, and school assemblies. At the movie theaters, a video of His Excellency waving to his subjects was shown while the anthem played. When Banda visited a city, a contingent of women were expected to greet him at the airport and dance for him. AHP Pavilion DV9710EV Battery

special cloth, bearing the president's picture, was the required attire for these performances. The one radio station in the country aired the president's speeches and government propaganda. People were ordered from their homes and told to lock all windows and doors, by police, at least an hour prior to President Banda passing by...we were expected to wave. HP Pavilion DV9710TX Battery

Among the laws enforced by Banda, it was illegal for women to wear see-through clothes, pants of any kind or skirts which showed any part of the knee. There were two exceptions to this: if they were at a Country Club (a place where various sports were played) and if they were at a holiday resort/hotel... HP Pavilion DV9712TX Battery

which meant that with the exception of the resort/hotel staff, they were not seen by the general populace. Men were not allowed to have hair below the collar; when men whose hair was too long, arrived in the country from overseas, they were given a hair cut before they could leave the airport. HP Pavilion DV9713TX Battery

Churches had to be government sanctioned. Members of certain religious groups, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, were persecuted and kicked around the country at one time. All Malawian citizens of Indian heritage were forced to leave their homes and businesses and move into designated Indian areas in the larger cities. HP Pavilion DV9705TX Battery

At one time, they were all told to leave the country, then hand-picked ones, were allowed to return. It was illegal to transfer or take privately earned funds out of the country unless approved through proper channels; proof had to be supplied to show that one had already brought in the equivalent or more, in foreign currency in the past. HP Pavilion DV9706AX Battery

When some left, they gave up goods and earnings.

All movies shown in theaters were first viewed by the Malawi Censorship Board. Content considered unsuitable — particularly nudity or political content — was edited. Mail was also monitored by the Censorship Board. HP Pavilion DV9706TX Battery

Some overseas mail was opened, read, and sometimes edited. Videotapes had to be sent to the Censorship Board to be viewed by censors. Once edited, the movie was given a sticker stating that it was now suitable for viewing, and sent back to the owner. Telephone calls were monitored and disconnected if the conversation was politically critical. HP Pavilion DV9707TX Battery

Items to be sold in bookstores were also edited. Pages, or parts of pages, were cut out or blacked out of magazines such as Newsweek and Time.

Tourism "In global terms Africa, and Southern Africa in particular, is a small player in travel and tourism. HP Pavilion DV9708TX Battery

With little over 3% of world tourist arrivals (and less than 2% if one excludes South Africa) Africa remains an undeveloped market in global terms. In the year 2000 only 10 million visitors came to countries in the region of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). HP Pavilion DV9709EF Battery

Using the overall SADC figures as a comparative benchmark, an even smaller number came to Malawi – 219,000 in 1998, 254,000 in 1999 and 222,526 in 2000. Despite these small numbers, the number of visitors has doubled over the last decade. HP Pavilion DV9709TX Battery

While Malawi was the 10th poorest country in the world during much of Banda's tenure, he managed to keep peace in the country for most of the time he was in power. He was a wealthy man, like most if not all world leaders. He owned houses (and lived in a palace), businesses, private helicopters, cars and other such luxuries. HP Pavilion DV9710EA Battery

Speaking out against the president was strictly prohibited. Those who did so were often deported or imprisoned. Banda and his government were criticized for human rights violations by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. After he was deposed, Banda was put on trial for murder and attempts to destroy evidence. HP Pavilion DV9710EF Battery

During his rule, Banda was one of the very few post-colonial African leaders to maintain diplomatic relations with apartheid South Africa.

Multi-party democracy

Increasing domestic unrest and pressure from Malawian churches and from the international community led to a referendum in which the Malawian people were asked to vote for either a multi-party democracy or the continuation of a one-party state. HP Pavilion DV9710EI Battery

On June 14, 1993, the people of Malawi voted overwhelmingly in favor of multi-party democracy. Free and fair national elections were held on May 17, 1994 under a provisional constitution, which took full effect the following year. HP Pavilion DV9710EL Battery

Bakili Muluzi, leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF), was elected President in those elections. The UDF won 82 of the 177 seats in the National Assembly and formed a coalition government with the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD). That coalition disbanded in June 1996, but some of its members remained in the government. HP Pavilion DV9710ES Battery

The President was referred to as Dr Muluzi, having received an honorary degree at Lincoln University in Missouri in 1995. Malawi's newly written constitution (1995) eliminated special powers previously reserved for the Malawi Congress Party. Accelerated economic liberalization and structural reform accompanied the political transition. HP Pavilion DV9710EV Battery

On June 15, 1999, Malawi held its second democratic elections. Bakili Muluzi was re-elected to serve a second five-year term as President, despite an MCP-AFORD Alliance that ran a joint slate against the UDF.

The aftermath of elections brought the country close to the brink of civil strife. HP Pavilion DV9710TX Battery

Disgruntled Tumbuka, Ngoni and Nkhonde Christian tribes dominant in the north were irritated by the election of Muluzi, a Muslim from the south. Conflict between Christians and Muslims of the Yao tribe (Muluzi tribe) begun. Property, valued at over millions of dollars, were either vandalized or stolen and 200 mosques were torched down.^[4] HP Pavilion DV9712TX Battery

Malawi in the 21st century

In 2001, the UDF held 96 seats in the National Assembly, while the AFORD held 30, and the MCP 61. Six seats were held by independents who represent the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) opposition group. HP Pavilion DV9700 Battery

The NDA was not recognized as an official political party at that time. The National Assembly had 193 members, of whom 17 were women, including one of the Deputy Speakers.

Malawi saw its first transition between democratically elected presidents in May 2004, HP Pavilion DV9700T Battery

when the UDF's presidential candidate Bingu wa Mutharika defeated MCP candidate John Tembo and Gwanda Chakuamba, who was backed by a grouping of opposition parties. The UDF, however, did not win a majority of seats in Parliament, as it had done in 1994 and 1999 elections. HP Pavilion DV9700Z Battery

It successfully secured a majority by forming a "government of national unity" with several opposition parties. Bingu wa Mutharika left the UDF party on 5 February 2005 citing differences with the UDF, particularly over his anti-corruption campaign. He won a second term outright in the 2009 election as the head of a newly founded party, the Democratic Progressive Party. HP Pavilion DV9701AU Battery

The economy of Malawi is predominantly agricultural, with about 90% of the population living in rural areas. The landlocked country in south central Africa ranks among the world's least developed countries. Agriculture accounts for 37% of GDP and 85% of export revenues. HP Pavilion DV9701AX Battery

The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank , and individual donor nations. The government faces strong challenges: to spur exports, to improveeducational and health facilities, to face up to environmental problems of deforestation and erosion, and to deal with the rapidly growing problem of HIV/AIDS in Africa. HP Pavilion DV9701TX Battery

Malawi was ranked the 118th safest investment destination in the world in the March 2011 Euromoney Country Risk rankings.^[1]

Agriculture represents 36% of GDP, accounts for over 80% of the labor force, and represents about 80% of all exports. HP Pavilion DV9702AU Battery

Its most important export crop is tobacco, which accounts for about 70% of export revenues. In 2000 the country was the tenth largest producer in the world (See table). The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the following production of unprocessed tobacco by country in 2009 (figures are in thousands of tonnes.) HP Pavilion DV9702AX Battery

The country's heavy reliance on tobacco places a heavy burden on the economy as world prices decline and the international community increases pressure to limittobacco production. Malawi's dependence on tobacco is growing, with the product jumping from 53% to 70% of export revenues between 2007 and 2008. HP Pavilion DV9702EA Battery

The country also relies heavily on tea, sugarcane and coffee, with these three plus tobacco making up more than 90% of Malawi's export revenue. Tea was first introduced in 1878. Most of it is grown in Mulanje and Thyolo. Other crops include cotton, corn,potatoes, sorghum, cattle and goats. Tobacco and sugar processing are notable secondary industries. HP Pavilion DV9702TX Battery

Traditionally Malawi has been self-sufficient in its staple food, maize (corn), and during the 1980s it exported substantial quantities to its drought-stricken neighbors. Nearly 90% of the population engages in subsistence farming. Smallholder farmers produce a variety of crops, including maize, beans, rice, cassava, tobacco, and groundnuts (peanuts). HP Pavilion DV9703AX Battery

Financial wealth is generally concentrated in the hands of a small elite. Malawi's manufacturing industries are situated around the city ofBlantyre.

Malawi has few exploitable mineral resources. Malawi's economic reliance on the export of agricultural commodities renders it particularly vulnerable to external shocks such as declining terms of trade and drought. HP Pavilion DV9703TX Battery

High transport costs, which can comprise over 30% of its total import bill, constitute a serious impediment to economic development and trade. Malawi must import all its fuel products. Other challenges include a paucity of skilled labor, difficulty in obtaining expatriate employment permits, HP Pavilion DV9704AX Battery

bureaucratic red tape,corruption, and inadequate and deteriorating road, electricity, water, and telecommunications infrastructure which hinder economic development in Malawi. However, recent government initiatives targeting improvements in the road infrastructure, HP Pavilion DV9704TX Battery

together with private sector participation in railroad and telecommunications, have begun to render the investment environment more attractive.

Pharmaceutical companies

Malawi has four pharmaceutical companies are actively engaged in the manufacture. HP Pavilion DV9705AX Battery

They manufacture a limited range of drugs, particularly those that are in great demand on the local market.^[4] These are Pharmanova Ltd.^[4] and its sister company SADM, Malawi Pharmacies (Pharmaceuticals Limited) and Kentam Products Limited.^[4] HP Pavilion DV9705EA Battery

International support

Malawi has undertaken economic structural adjustment programs supported by the World Bank (IBRD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other donors since 1981. HP Pavilion DV9705EF Battery

Broad reform objectives include stimulation of private sector activity and participation through the elimination of price controls and industrial licensing, liberalization of trade and foreign exchange, rationalization of taxes, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and civil service reform. HP Pavilion DV9627XX Battery

Malawi qualified forHeavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) debt relief and is in the process of refining its Poverty Reduction Strategy.

Real GDP grew by 3.6% in 1999 and 2.1% in 2000. The government's monetary policy has been expansionary, HP Pavilion DV9628NR Battery

and the average annual inflation has hovered around 30% in 2000 and 2001, keeping discount and commercial bank rates high (the discount rate was 47% in December 2000). In the second half of 2001, the Kwacha strengthened sharply against the U.S. dollar, moving from 80 to 60. HP Pavilion DV9628XX Battery

Malawi has bilateral trade agreements with its two major trading partners, South Africa and Zimbabwe, both of which allow duty-free entry of Malawian products into their countries. HP Pavilion DV9630EF Battery

The government faces challenges such as the improvement of Malawi's educational and health facilities—particularly important because of the rising rates of HIV/AIDS—and environmental problems including deforestation, erosion, and overworked soils. HP Pavilion DV9630XX Battery

Move towards economic independence

In 2006, in response to disastrously low agricultural harvests, Malawi, through an initiative by President Bingu Mutharika,an economist by profession, began a program of fertilizer subsidies that were designed to re-energize the land and boost crop production. HP Pavilion DV9631EF Battery

It has been reported that this program, championed by the country's president, is radically improving Malawi's agriculture, and causing Malawi to become a net exporter of food to nearby countries.^[5]

Economic grievances though took a downward slide during Mutharikas second term. HP Pavilion DV9631EM Battery

Economic grivences was a catalyst that resulted in the 2011 economic protests in Malawi in July.

Bingu wa Mutharika (born Brightson Webster Ryson Thom; 24 February 1934 – 5 April 2012) was a Malawian politician and economist who was President of Malawi from May 2004 until his death. HP Pavilion DV9635CA Battery

He was also the president of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which has a majority in Malawi's parliament as a result of the 2009 general election. During his two terms in office he was noted for presiding over the African Union, as well as several domestic controversies. HP Pavilion DV9635XX Battery

He died of a heart attack in Lilongwe on 5 April. Early life and career

Bingu wa Mutharika was born Brightson Webster Ryson Thom^[4][5] on 24 February 1934 in Thyolo. Mutharika's parents, Ryson Thom Mutharika and Eleni Thom Mutharika, were both members of the Church of Scotland Mission which later became Church of Central Africa, HP Pavilion DV9638US Battery

Presbyterian. His father was a teacher for 37 years and his mother taught the women of the Mvanogroup.

Upon completing his primary education at Ulongwe Mission and Chingoli, Mulanje, Ntambanyama, Malamulo, in Thyolo and Henri Henderson Institute in Blantyre, HP Pavilion DV9638XX Battery

Mutharika obtained a Grade A Cambridge Overseas School Leaving Certificate at Dedza Secondary School in 1956. In 1964, he was one of the 32 Malawians selected by Hastings Kamuzu Banda (President of Malawi1961–1994) to travel to India on an Indira Gandhi scholarship for 'fast track' diplomas. HP Pavilion DV9640CA Battery

The BBC reports that he went to India to "escape then President Hastings Banda's crackdown on political opponents". At some point during the 1960s, he also changed his name, to Bingu wa Mutharika.^[5] In India, Mutharika earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics. HP Pavilion DV9640US Battery

Subsequently, he attended the Delhi School of Economics graduating with a M.A. degree in Economics. He later obtained a PhD degree in Development Economics from Pacific Western University. Mutharika also completed short courses on Business Management, Financial Analysis, Trade Promotion, Political Leadership, regional Economic Co-operation and Human Relations.^[6] HP Pavilion DV9644CA Battery

Mutharika served in the Malawi civil service. He has served as Administrative Officer in the Government of Malawi and Zambia. He was offered the Deputy Governorship of the reserve Bank of Malawi and appointed Minister of Economic Planning and Development in 2002. HP Pavilion DV9644XX Battery

He also worked at the World Bank as a Loans Officer and at the United Nations Economic Commission of Africa, as Director of Trade and Development Finance and as Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa COMESA, covering 22 Member States.

Presidential campaigns (1999–2009)

Mutharika co-founded the United Democratic Front in 1992. In 1999, he stood as a candidate in the presidential election, finishing last.^[5] HP Pavilion DV9650US Battery

President

Mutharika was nominated by then President Muluzi as his successor. Mutharika won thepresidential election on 20 May 2004, ahead of John Tembo and Gwanda Chakuamba, and took office a few days later.^[10] HP Pavilion DV9650XX Battery

On 7 October 2006, Mutharika stated his intention to seek re-election in the 2009 presidential election as the DPP candidate.^[11] Two years later, in October 2008, the DPP's national governing council unanimously chose Mutharika as the party's candidate for the 2009 election,^[12] which he won with 66.7% of the vote.^[13] HP Pavilion DV9653CL Battery

First term

During President Mutharika's first term in office (2004–2008), the country achieved a high rate of agricultural production and food security. The President's initiatives, centred on a programme of agricultural subsidy, benefited approximately 1,700,000 resource poor smallholder farmers. HP Pavilion DV9653XX Battery

In the 2005/2006 crop season, Malawi achieved a food surplus of more than 500,000 metric tons. During the 2008/2009 planting season, food surpluses topped 1.3 million metric tons. This agricultural policy was widely regarded as successful but expensive, and was curtailed in 2011.^[14]

Second termHP Pavilion DV9657CL Battery

Under his tenure, the constitutionally enshrined human rights and separation of powers were enhanced, including legal reform.^[15] His first term was seen as a broad political success.^[16] He has also been credited with committing to and presiding over economic reform, fiscal restraint and anti-corruption measures.^[17] HP Pavilion DV9657XX Battery

During his tenure, the election was recognised by monitors as fair.^[18][19] Mutharika's Malawi Growth and Development Strategy for 2006–2011 prioritised the enhancement of: agriculture and food security, education, transport, energy generation, rural development, irrigation and water development, HP Pavilion DV9680ED Battery

youth development and anti-corruption initiatives.^[20]

In 2009, Malawi's Ministry of Finance estimated that during the previous four years the share of Malawians living below the poverty line fell from 52 percent to 40 percent. HP Pavilion DV9680XX Battery

This has been attributed to the country's agricultural policies, which have been seen as pioneering in the context of African economic development.^[21]

In addition to championing food security in Malawi, Mutharika promoted a similar approach for Africa. HP Pavilion DV9695EF Battery

While Chairman of the African Union in 2010,^[22] the President laid down a road map for Africa to achieve sustainability and food security.^[23] He proposed a new partnership with other African nations, which he called the “African Food Basket”,^[24]outlining a strategy incorporating subsidies to small farmers, HP Pavilion DV9695XX Battery

especially women, improvements in irrigation, and improving agriculture and food security over 5 years through innovative interventions that comprise subsidies, increased budgetary allocations, private sector investment and affordable information and communications technology. HP Pavilion DV9611XX Battery

Approximately half of the country's subsistence farmers received vouchers which provided discounts on maize seed and fertiliser. To sustain the program, the Malawi Government allocated 11 percent of its budget for 2010/2011 to agriculture, continuing a rare record of commitment on this scale in Africa. HP Pavilion DV9612TX Battery

The level of investment in the programme was reduced in 2011.^[14]

Mutharika was accused of trying to sideline and isolate his vice-president, Joyce Banda. He kicked her out of the party in 2010 because she refused to accept the nomination of Peter Mutharika as the next president.^[25HP Pavilion DV9612XX Battery

^] She remained vice-president of the country because there had been no formal impeachment process.

As a result of the Cochrane-Dyet 2011 cable controversy that accused Mutharika of being increasingly 'arrogant' and 'autocratic', he expelled the British High Commissioner.^[26] HP Pavilion DV9613TX Battery

In international relationships, his close relationships with Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Omar al-Bashir of Sudan were controversial.^[27][28]

In 2011, days of nationwide protests occurred, sparked by worsening fuel shortages, rising prices and high unemployment. HP Pavilion DV9613XX Battery

Malawi's health ministry confirmed 18 deaths in the northern cities of Karonga and Mzuzu as a result of police using live ammunition to quell protests.^[29] Mutharika was unapologetic and said that he would "smoke out" all his enemies. This was accompanied by a crack-down on Malawian journalists, human rights activists, and lawyers, including Ralph Kasambara.^[30] HP Pavilion DV9614TX Battery

Other events that marred his presidency were the activities surrounding the 2011 academic freedom stand-off between the President and University, and the death of student activist Robert Chasowa. HP Pavilion DV9614XX Battery

Chairperson of the African Union

On 31 January 2010, Mutharika replaced Muammar al-Gaddafi as chairperson of the African Union after Gaddafi's attempt to run as the African Union chairperson for an additional year failed. Mutharika was Malawi's first head of state to assume the position of chairperson.^[31] HP Pavilion DV9615CA Battery

In his acceptance speech he said that "Africa is not a poor continent, but the African population are poor" and called for "Africa to develop Africa". He shared his vision for the African Food Basket Initiative by making food security a priority in his agenda.

On 4 April he attended the 50th anniversary in celebration of Senegalese independence as the African Union chairperson. HP Pavilion DV9615TX Battery

He also attended the G8 summit in Canada and the G20 Summit in Seoul, South Korea.^[32]

On 26 July, he attended the African Union summit in Kampala, Uganda,^[32] where he comdemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing a warrant to arrest Omar al Bashir because it undermined African authority.^[32] HP Pavilion DV9618CA Battery

They adopted the African Food Basket Initiative here which was presented to the UN on 29 September.^[32] On 6 September, he attended the inauguration of Rwandan President Paul Kagame.^[32] He attended the Iran-Africa Conference, which aimed at strengthening ties between Iran and African countries.^[32] HP Pavilion DV9618XX Battery

During a speech at Boston University, Mutharika defended his subsidy program and noted that although Western countries say African governments should not subsidise agriculture, Western governments subsidise their own farmers.^[32] Malawi hosted Africas first conference that brought together Ministers of Agriculture in Africa where they were urged to fight for subsidies in agriculture.^[32] HP Pavilion DV9620US Battery

He did not attend the Africa-EU Trade summit in Libya but no official reason was provided for this move.^[32] During his tenure, he joined international calls for Laurent Gbagbo to accept defeat in Ivorian presidential election, 2010.^[32] HP Pavilion DV9620XX Battery

Family and personal life

Mutharika was a practising Roman Catholic^[33] and married to Zimbawean Ethel Zvauya Mutharika, with whom he had four children. Ethel Mutharika died of cancer on 28 May 2007. In 2010, Mutharika announced he planned to marry Callista Chimombo, a former Minister of Tourism. HP Pavilion DV9623CA Battery

The two were married on 1 May 2010.^[32]

Mutharika's brother, Peter Mutharika, was a lecturer at Washington University in St. Louis. In May 2009, he was elected to the Malawian Parliament, and was subsequently appointed to the Malawi Cabinet as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. He has held other cabinet positions. HP Pavilion DV9623CL Battery

Death

Mutharika on 5 April 2012 at the age of 78.^[3][34] He suffered a heart attack and was was reportedly flown to a South African hospital due to power outages in Lilongwe.^[2] The media reported "chaotic scenes" after his wife, Callista, and other cabinet members were leaving the hospital. HP Pavilion DV9625CA Battery

His condition was initially announced as "critical." Vice President Joyce Banda wished him a quick recovery. In reaction, police were deployed across the national capital with 15 Army officers posted at the Vice President's residence.^[35]

His death was officially confirmed on 7 April,^[36] HP Pavilion DV9625XX Battery

the day Joyce Banda was sworn in as Malawi's first female president despite controversy following Information and Civic Education Minister Patricia Kaliati's statement that "the conduct of the honourable Joyce Banda in forming her own opposition party precludes her from being eligible to succeed the presidency,"^[37] HP Pavilion DV9627CL Battery

while the country's security forces also wanted the constitutional order to prevail.^[38]

The former U.S. ambassador to Tanzania Charles Stith said of Mutharika that he was "unwavering in his commitment to improve the plight of Malawi’s poor" and that he was " one of Africa’s most courageous and conscientious leaders."^[39] HP Pavilion DV9607XX Battery

Titles, honours and awards

Mutharika received the following awards:

The United Nations Special Millennium development Goal Award (2010) for success towards eliminating hunger by enhancing food security ahead of the 2015 MDG deadline (Goal 1 – ending poverty and hunger)^[40] HP Pavilion DV9608CA Battery

COMESA Distinguished Award (2010) for exceptional leadership and distinguished service to COMESA and the integration of Africa as Secretary General of COMESA form 1991 to 1997. The Authority specifically commended Mutharika for his contribution to the realisation of the Abuja Treaty objectives towards African integration.^[41] HP Pavilion DV9608EA Battery

Southern Africa Trust Drivers of Change Award (2009) for changing Malawi from a country in perpetual food deficit to one that is entirely food-sufficient. “The boom in this sector has had a direct impact on millions of poor people. Under his leadership, poverty has declined from 58 to 42 percent in five years. HP Pavilion DV9608NR Battery

Through his direct involvement in turning Malawi's future around, he is building new confidence and hope amongst the citizens of Africa in their governments.”^[42]

2009 Medal of Glory Awards – “President Mutharika was chosen for the award because of his bold reform s that have resulted in the Malawi green revolution, HP Pavilion DV9608TX Battery

and Malawi's increase in its economic growth rate from less that 1 percent in 2003, before he took office to more than 9.7 percent in 2008, at the end of his first term office”^[43]

The Most Excellent Grand Commander (MEGC) – Top most award of Malawi order of National Achievement conferred by the Malawi Civilian Honours and Decorations, HP Pavilion DV9609TX Battery

6 July 2009

Inaugural Food Agriculture and Natural resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) Food Security Policy Leadership Award (2008), “for his agricultural policy interventions which have transformed Malawi form a food deficit nation to a net maize exporter” HP Pavilion DV9609XX Battery

FAO's Agricola Medal (2008) in honour of “his substantial contribution towards transforming the country's economy form a state of food deficit nation to a net exporter of maize”^[44]

Louise Blouin Foundation Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement (2008) for making a positive impact on a global scale^[45]HP Pavilion DV9610CA Battery

Danish Government Award of recognition for outstanding performances in promoting gender equality and women empowerment (2008).^[45]

Mutharika received several honorary degrees including Professor of Economics by East China Normal University, in April 2010;HP Pavilion DV9610TX Battery

Doctor of Letters (D.Lilkmktt) Degree Honoris Causa by the University of Delhi in October, 2010; Doctor of Law (PhD Degree (Honoris Causa), Mzuzu University, in 2008 and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree (Honoris Causa), University of Strathclyde, Scotland in 2005. HP Pavilion DV9610US Battery

He was the founder and chairman of the Bineth Trust – a nonprofit organisation promoting education; Founder of the Silvergrey International; and founder and Chairman of the Bingu Silvergrey Foundation of the elderly and retired persons. He is also the founder of the Malawi University of Science and Technology, HP Pavilion DV9610XX Battery

the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources; University of Cotton Research at Bangula; the University of Marine biology; the University of Mombera and the University of Nkhotakota. HP Pavilion DV9611TX Battery, HP Pavilion DV9605XX Battery,HP Pavilion DV9606CA Battery,HP Pavilion DV9606TX Battery,HP Pavilion DV9607TX Battery