| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | MWISO 3166 [2024] |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | MWIISO 3166 [2024] |
| Capital | LilongweGeoNames [2024] |
| Continent | AfricaGeoNames [2024] |
| Common name | MalawiCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Official name | Republic of MalawiCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Local name | MalawiCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Etymology | named for the Maravi people who inhabited the area since the 14th century; the word maravi means "flames"CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Government type | Presidential republicCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Independence | 6 July 1964 (from the UK)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National holiday | Independence Day, 6 July (1964); note: also called Republic Day since 6 July 1966CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Head of state | Arthur Peter MUTHARIKA (Pres.)CIA World Leaders [2025] |
| Currency code (ISO 4217) | MWKISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Currency | Malawi KwachaISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Administrative subdivisions | 3ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Subdivision names | Central Region / Northern Region / Southern RegionISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Historical overview | No authoritative open source found |
| National symbols | lionCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National anthem | title: "Mulungu dalitsa Malawi" (O God, Bless Our Land of Malawi); lyrics/music: Michael-Fredrick Paul SAUKA; history: adopted 1964CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National colors | black, red, greenCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Citizenship rules | citizenship by birth: no; citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Malawi; dual citizenship recognized: no; residency requirement for naturalization: 7 yearsCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
named for the Maravi people who inhabited the area since the 14th century; the word maravi means "flames"
description: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green, with a rising red sun centered on the black band meaning: black stands for ethnic groups, red for the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, and green for nature; the sun represents the hope of freedom for the continent of Africa
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
