About Malawi
Background
Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast
Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique. With a population
of 14 million, Malawi is about the size of Pennsylvania. While Malawi
ranks as one of the world’s most densely populated countries, it is also
one of the least developed. Malawi is
divided administratively  and politically into three regions: North, Central,
and South. The northern region, with approximately 1.5 million people, is the
least populated and arguably the least developed region. Maloto is currently
working in Mzuzu, the commercial and administrative center of the northern
region. Malawi has not experienced any civil strife since gaining its
independence in 1964. The transition to a democratic government in 1994
was a smooth one. Malawi continues to enjoy stability, but at the same
time it faces many challenges, particularly with regards to health and education. Malawi’s
women and children are particularly vulnerable. Maloto is working
hard to help communities overcome these challenges..
Critical Issues
- Malawi’s population is very young – the median age of Malawi’s population
is just under 17 years (the median age in the US is just under 37).*
- Average life expectancy is only 44 years.*
- Almost 60% of Malawians live below the poverty line.*
- There are close to 1,000,000 people living with HIV/AIDS and almost
1,000,000 orphans.**
- Population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, and
the spread of HIV/AIDS pose major problems to development.
- A declining educational system and women’s lack of rights and opportunities
are two additional obstacles.
- Two-thirds of the children graduating from primary school are not
able to continue their education due to lack of space in secondary
schools.
*Sources: World Fact Book
**Source: UNAIDS, 2004 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic
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