Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$800 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

8.7% (2008 est.)

Population

14,268,711 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

D

Ease of Doing Business

134/181

Global Competitiveness

3.42/134

Country Map

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Malawi : Introduction

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 that came into full effect the following year. Current President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA, elected in May 2004 after a failed attempt by the previous president to amend the constitution to permit another term, struggled to assert his authority against his predecessor and subsequently started his own party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in 2005. As president, MUTHARIKA has overseen substantial economic improvement but because of political deadlock in the legislature, his minority party has been unable to pass significant legislation, and anti-corruption measures have stalled. Population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, corruption, and the spread of HIV/AIDS pose major problems for Malawi.

Malawi: Reserve Bank of Malawi

The Reserve Bank of Malawi was established in 1964 to serve as banker of the government and therefore to issue legal tender currency as well as to formulate the monetary policy of the country. This site gives general information about the bank, financial and economic information, press releases, etc.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (October 2009)