Malawi gained independence on this day in 1964. The country, which was formerly known as Nyasaland is one of the smallest on the continent. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Malawi is one of the least developed countries in the world as its economy relies heavily on agriculture.
Bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique, its estimated population of 19 million depend heavily on outside aid to meet development needs. Famous for the Bantu people who emigrated from the North, Malawi had a protracted independence struggle from its English colonial masters.
Malawi’s biggest city and capital is Lilongwe. The second, third, and fourth are, Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Zomba respectively. The country is relatively one of the most peaceful nations on the continent.
In commemoration of its independence, Face2Face Africa takes a look at some famous people you probably didn’t know are from Malawi.
