Sarah’s blog 1/4/22
I’ve had a little look round the internet to find some facts and figures that I hope you find interesting. Thanks for reading, Sarah x
- Malawi is 118,484 square kms. Malawi stretches about 840km from north to south and varies in width from 10 to 160km.
- It is known as the “warm heart of Africa” due to the welcoming nature of it’s people.
- It’s capital is Lilongwe and Malawi’s population is approximately 21,200,000.
- Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. 85% of the population live in rural communities.
- Lake Malawi is the third largest fresh water lake in Africa and the ninth largest fresh water lake in the world and is a tourist attraction with it’s beautiful beaches and varied wildlife.
- Lake Malawi contains the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world. There are between 500 and 1,000 fish species, and it is home to a vast array of Chichlids. These Chichlids are popular all over the world as aquarium fish because of their bright colours.
- High Girl dropout rate from education. In Malawi less than 10% of girls earn a high school diploma. Approximately 20% of school aged girls are prevented from continuing their education or miss one week a month as they lack menstrual health education and access to sanitary pads.
- Adult literacy rates (people over 15 years of age) are 62.14% ; male literacy 69.75% and female is only 55.2%
- Primary school is compulsory and children start at age 6 for 8 years. Class sizes are on average 75 children per class.
- Malawi has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with approximately 1 in 2 girls married and/or raising children by age 18.
- Nsima is a staple Malawian food. It is made from ground corn and served with side dishes of meat or vegetables.
- The currency is the Malawian Kwacha. Approximately 1,000 mkw = £1.00.