Malawi Statistics

Geography-Population

Capital:  Lilongwe

Area:  118,484 sq km

Climate:  sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)

Population:  15,879,252 (July 2011 est.)

Languages:  Chichewa 57.2% (official), Chinyanja 12.8%, Chiyao 10.1%, Chitumbuka 9.5%, Chisena 2.7%, Chilomwe 2.

Government-Economy

Government type: multiparty democracy

Independence Day: 6 July 1964 (from the UK)

Currency: Malawian kwacha (MWK); 100 MWK = 0.66USD ; 1 USD = 151.50 MWK

GDP: $13.51 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP): $900 (2010 est.)

Information for Foreign Students in Malawi

Obtaining a Visa

It is not compulsory for nationals from the UK, US, Australia, Canada and UE country members except. However, there are some EU countries which nationals need a visa: Austria, Bulgaria,Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia. Here are visas types and costs: Single-entry: £45 (three months). Multiple-entry: £70 (up to six months); £90 (up to one year). Transit: £20.

Housing

Link for hotels:

http://www.iexplore.com/hotels/Malawi

http://www.safarinow.com/destinations/malawi/hub.aspx

Health

Health insurance is essential. It is advisable to take personal medical supplies, including needles. Besides, vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. In addition, it is better to take mineral water or to first boil tap water for consumption (brushing teeth, drinking and making ice).

Money

Travelers cheques and foreign currencies are accepted by banks, authorized hotels and other institutions in the main town centers; bureaux de change are also available. The US dollar is the easiest currency to exchange. Credit cards are not widely accepted and ATMs are scarce and should not be relied upon.

Keeping in touch

Services are available in business centres in hotels, and there are a few Internet cafes. Radio is the chief source of information and state-run MBC is the main national broadcaster. Roaming agreements currently exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in urban areas.