 Malawi
(formerly know as the country of Nyasa when still under British
protectorate) is situated in Central Africa and borders on
Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. Two islands, Likoma and Chizumulu,
situated in Lake Malawi, are also part of Malawi.
It belongs to one of the 11 poorest countries in the world. This
has a direct impact on the social situation: over 60% of the
population live under the poverty line and less than half of the
total population have safe drinking-water.Poverty,
high child mortality, lack of medical care and education are typical
for this country. And as in so many other African countries the
disease AIDS spreads very quickly. Next to tuberculosis and malaria,
AIDS is one of the most common causes of death. A lot of adults die
at a young age. The average life expectancy is 43 years.
 UNICEF
estimates the number of orphans at approximately 1,3 million (on a
total population of 13,6 million inhabitants). As much as possible
orphans are looked after by relatives or neighbours, which is not
evident considering widespread poverty. One family after the other
can not afford to do this anymore.
Malawi
is also known as “The Warm Heart of Africa”. She owns this name to
the friendly population, the laid-back quality of life and the
fascinating fauna and flora. Major characteristic is Lake Malawi,
the third biggest lake in Africa and the 11th biggest lake on earth.
 The lake is 600 km long, nearly 90 km wide and with a surface of ±
29,600 km2 just a little smaller than Belgium. Scuba
diving, rafting, sailing and snorkeling are just a couple of the
activities you can practise. There are a number of beautiful
resorts in different locations at the lake, ideal destinations for a
couple of days of being lazy.
 Malawi
also has 5 wildlife reserves, which may not be able to
compete with the big and more famous wildlife reserves, but which
are still worthwhile visiting. Elephants, hippopotamus, crocodiles,
impalas, a wide diversity of birds, can be spotted in these
reserves. Most of all Lake Malawi is best known for the thousands of
different kinds of Malawi ciclides.
 Not
unimportant is the nice, tropical climate. With an average
temperature of around 25°C you will not easily hear complaints about
the weather. Malawi has 2 seasons, a rain season, from November
till May, and a dry season, from May till November. |
