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@Malawi
Introduction Malawi
Background:
Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became
the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of
one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country
held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution,
which came into full effect the following year. Current President
Bingu wa MUTHARIKA, elected in May 2004 after the previous president
was unable to amend the constitution to permit another term, has
struggled to assert his authority against his predecessor, who still
leads their shared political party. MATHARIKA's anti-corruption
efforts have led to several high-level arrests but no convictions.
Increasing corruption, population growth, increasing pressure on
agricultural lands, and HIV/AIDS pose major problems for the country.
Geography Malawi
Location:
Southern Africa, east of Zambia
Geographic coordinates:
13 30 S, 34 00 E
Map references:
Africa
Area:
total: 118,480 sq km
water: 24,400 sq km
land: 94,080 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than Pennsylvania