Warm Heart of Africa
Often called the “Warm Heart of Africa” due to the friendliness of its people, the Republic of Malawi is a small country, located along the western shores of Lake Malawi in southeast Africa. Malawi is home to 13 million people. Agriculture represents 38.6% of the GDP, accounts for over 80% of the labor force, and represents about 80% of all exports. Nearly 90% of the population engages in subsistence farming. Smallholder farmers produce a variety of crops, including maize (corn), beans, rice, cassava, tobacco, peanuts and coffee. The agricultural sector contributes about 63.7% of total income for the rural population, 65% of manufacturing sector’s raw materials, and approximately 87% of total employment. Financial wealth is generally concentrated in the hands of a small elite. Malawi’s manufacturing industries are situated around the city of Blantyre.

Challenges
Malawi is a country of hope and peace. Its children represent the future of this nation of promise. But Malawi ranks among the ten poorest nations in the world. Currently, 6.7 million people are living below the poverty line and 2.7 million people are unable to meet daily food requirements.

Quick Facts
> Population: 13,603,181
> Population Growth Rate (annual %): 2.4
> National Poverty Rate (%): 65
> Life Expectancy at Birth (years): 43
> Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000 live births): 92
> Children Under-5 Mortality Rate (per 1,000 live births): 125
> Lifetime Risk of Maternal Mortality (1 in number stated): 7
> Adult Male Literacy Rate (% of males 15+): 76
> Adult Female Literacy Rate (% of females 15+): 50
> Population with access to an improved water source (%): 73

Sources: CIA World Factbook, World Bank, UNDP