Travel Information » About Malawi
[Africa’s friendliest people]

The Land
Malawi is a long narrow country situated in Africa rift between latitudes 9 and 18 degrees south. It is bordered by Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia. Elevation above sea level varies 7 from 30 meter at Nsanje to 3000 meters at Sapitwa, Peak of Mulanje Mountain. Most of the settled towns lie on the central Africa plateau at altitudes of 1000 and 1500 meters. Lake Malawi, third largest in Africa and ninth in the world and 470 above sea level, is a defining feature, which takes up a fifth of the country's 118000-km² area.

Malawi's topography displays diversity unusual in such a small African country. Ever changing scenery is especial delight. The natural vegetation is a mix of miombo woodland and savannah and rain forest . Because of the high population density much of the forest cover has been lost. Prime stands are to be found only in heavily protected areas.

History
The country, formerly known as Nyasaland (meaning lakeland) is the result of colonial activity in Africa. The boundaries are artificial, cutting though areas without regard to tribal boundaries, some borders follow natural features; others resulted from tradeoffs between the competing colonial powers of Britain, Germany and Portugal. The area came under British influence as a result of pioneering activities in the mid to late 19th century of David Livingstone and the Scottish missionaries. They gained ascendancy over many of the original inhabitants.  The British administration brought peace and settled government.

The influence of the Arabs came to an end with that execution in 1896 of Mlozi Kalonga. In the late 1950s a wind of change blew through colonial Africa. In 1961 Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda became the prime minister. Malawi attained self-governing status on 6th July 1964. In 1966 the country became a republic. There follow of autocratic, dictatorial and often cruel rule, which ended in 1994 with the first multi-party election. Malawi is a multi party democracy with a vibrant media and vociferous non government (NGO).

Currency, Banking, and Exchange
The currency of Malawi is the Kwacha, which is divided into 100 tambala.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi manages foreign exchange reserves. Exchange control is in force. Most foreign exchange transaction is carried by commercial banks acting as the reserve bank's agents. Commercial bank, forex bureau and main hotels are authorized to transactions without prior reference to the reserve bank. The US dollar, Pound Sterling and South African Rand are well known to most Malawians. Other foreign currencies are exchangeable at bank and bureau.

Any amount of foreign currency may be imported without prior approval. However, there are money-laundering laws and very large amounts of cash will cause suspicion, the unwelcome attention of the authorities and inconvenience to the importer. Those who bring foreign currency into Malawi, who wish to re export it at some stage whether for personal or business purposes, should be sure that they have proof of importation given by customs on entry or re-purchase from authorized dealers -or risk seizure at the time of export. Movements of foreign currency for commerce or investment should be transacted through commercial bank.

Plastic Money
Ecobank, Indebank, MSB Bank, Ned bank, and OIBM (opportunity international) use 'Malswitch” cards which may be used for encashment at ATM or as debit cards or e-wallets. Cards issued by any of these and by Malswitch may be used at ATMs operated by the others. Additionally, they may be used wherever a malswitch terminal is installed in payment for goods or services. Malswitch terminals are available at filling station (Gus stations), major shops, hotels and restaurant. The e-wallet may be recharged at ATM's or, for those without a bank account, by purchasing of credit at malswitch's office in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and  Mzuzu.

National Bank of Malawi and Standard Bank issue their own cards and has reciprocal encashment facilities at their ATM s. In additional VISA cards may be used at these ATM's.

FMB bank issues its own card for use at its own ATMs.

BP and Total issue dedicated cards for fuel purchases at their filling stations.

Most bankcards may be used as cheque guarantee cards for payments for goods and services