Malawi - Photo: Pixabay / Ed Peeters

Malawi

Malawi gained its independence from Britain in 1964 after being part of a protectorate called British Central Africa since 1891. The country was governed by a dictatorship until 1994, when a general election resulted in a new democratic government.

The constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion and guarantees freedom of conscience, religion, belief and thought. In most parts of Malawi, Christians are free to worship and serve the Lord. However, persecution has increased in recent years as more converts from the Yao people, a historically Muslim tribe, turn to faith in Christ. These Christian converts often face intense opposition from their communities, families and friends.

  • Country Information
    Malawi map and flag

    Country Information:

    Population
    21,763,309 (2024 est.)

    Ethnicity
    Chewa, Lomwe, Yao, Ngoni, Tumbuka and others

    Religions (%)
    Protestant (33.5), Roman Catholic (17.2), other Christian (26.6), Muslim (13.8), Traditionalist (1.1), Other (5.6), None (2.1) (2018 est.)

    Government type
    Presidential Republic

    Leader
    President Lazarus Chakwera

    Legal system
    Mixed system of English common law and customary law; Supreme Court of Appeal reviews legislative acts

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Malawi

    Pray that believers in Malawi will courageously share the love of Christ with their Muslim neighbours. Ask God to provide for displaced Yao Christians whose homes have been destroyed in Islamist attacks – reminding them of His unfailing care by meeting their emotional, spiritual and practical needs.