Malawi: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Malawi

Malawi is a long, narrow, landlocked country in southeastern Africa. Its biggest feature is Lake Malawi, which stretches along most of the country. Its friendly people have earned it the nickname 'the Warm Heart of Africa'.

About Lilongwe

Lilongwe lies on the Lilongwe River in central Malawi. It became the capital in 1975, taking over from Zomba, and is a fast-growing city known for its busy markets.

Fun facts about Malawi

1. Malawi is nicknamed 'the Warm Heart of Africa' because of its friendly, welcoming people.
2. Lake Malawi has more kinds of fish than any other lake in the world, possibly about 1,000 species.
3. Lake Malawi is sometimes called the Calendar Lake because it is about 365 miles long and 52 miles wide.
4. Colourful rock-dwelling fish called mbuna live in Lake Malawi, and nearly all of them are found nowhere else.
5. Malawi's flag shows a red rising sun, a symbol of the dawn of freedom and hope for Africa.
6. The Chongoni Rock Art Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has one of Central Africa's richest collections of rock art.