Malawi

Country Facts

Population: 14,950,000 (2009)
Median Age: 16.8 years
GDP per capita: $800 (2008 est.)
HIV Adult Prevalence: 11.9% (2007 est.)
Major Religion: Christianity (79.9%), Muslim (12.8%)
People Groups: 33 Unreached: 4
Largest Unreached People Group: Kachchi (67,000)
Government Type: Multiparty Democracy
Official Language: English, Chichewa

Geography

Located in Southeastern Africa, Malawi is bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. The Great Rift Valley traverses the country from north to south. In this deep trough lies Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa, comprising about 20% of Malawi's area.

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People
Malawi derives its name from the Maravi, a Bantu people who came from the southern Congo about 600 years ago. At the tip of Lake Malawi, the Maravi divided into two tribes, the present-day Chewas and Nyanjas. Migrations and tribal conflicts precluded the formation of a cohesive Malawian society until the turn of the 20th century. In more recent years, ethnic and tribal distinctions have diminished. Regional distinctions and rivalries, however, persist. Despite some clear differences, no significant friction currently exists between tribal groups, and the concept of a Malawian nationality has begun to take hold. Predominately a rural people, Malawians are generally conservative and traditionally nonviolent.

History
Malawi was first settled during the 10th century and remained under native rule until 1891 when it was colonized by the British, who ruled the country until 1964. Upon gaining independence, it became a single-party state under the presidency of Hastings Banda who remained president until 1994, when he was ousted from power. Binga Matharuka, elected in 2004, is the current president. Malawi has a democratic, multi-party government.

Culture
Malawi is often called the "warm heart of Africa." because of the warmth and friendliness of the people. Malawians typically live with their extended families in huts that are grouped together in villages. A spirit of cooperation prevails as family members share both work and resources. For food in Malawi, chickens, goats, and an occasional pig are used to supplement the standard dish of boiled cornmeal called nsima, which is eaten twice a day. Marriages often are arranged, particularly in rural areas, with a dowry usually in the form of livestock, but often also land or grain. In the arts, Malawi has a long tradition of oral artistry which is primarily myths, legends, and folktales.

Religion and Spiritual Climate

According to recent estimates, approximately 80% of the population is Christian, yet animism remains the fundamental worldview of most Malawians. The Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian make up the largest groups with smaller numbers of Anglicans, Baptists, and Seventh Day Adventists. Around 13% of the population is Sunni Muslim. Most larger towns have a Christian church and a Muslim mosque. Most major cities also have a Hindu temple.

NMSI Involvement
NMSI first began to work in Malawi in late 1990s, joining with national missionaries, Rutherford and Tsahai Banda, with summer internships. The first full-time American missionaries arrived in Malawi in 2004, serving in the Lilongwe region.

NMSI is currently involved in the following ministries:

• Orphan care
• HIV/AIDS ministry
• Church planting
• Church leadership
• Pastoral training

Prayer Points
• For spiritual revival throughout the country of Malawi.
• For Malawians to make lifestyle changes to prevent the spread of HIV.
• For the continued ministry of the national and American missionaries.
• For the summer internship to make inroads with those impacted by the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Ministry Opportunities
Short-term: Join a 2010 summer internship to Malawi

Long-term: If you feel called to work or are currently working in a country in this region, please contact our Human Resources Department to explore how NMSI might partner with you.

Malawi Photo Gallery

Sources: Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook, U.S. State Department, Everyday Culture, Africa Guide, Wikipedia

NMSI missionaries serving in Malawi:

Malawi

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