Lilongwe, Malawi
Capital city · Population 1.1M
Lilongwe is the capital and the largest city in Malawi with a population of approximately 1,115,815 people as of 2026. This makes it the 491st largest city in the world, accounting for 5.15% of Malawi's total population of 21.7M. Lilongwe is classified as a major city and operates in the Africa/Blantyre timezone.
Population
1,115,815
Global Rank
#491
Country Rank
#1
% of Malawi
5.15%
Lilongwe on the Map
Malawi at a Glance
Country Population
21,655,286
Capital
Lilongwe
Region
Eastern Africa
Major Cities
4
GDP per Capita
$523
Life Expectancy
67.6 years
Urban Population
17.3%
Growth Rate
0.03%
Other Major Cities in Malawi
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Lilongwe with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Chipata | 327,059 | 128 km |
| Lichinga | 281,341 | 173 km |
| Mandimba | 118,922 | 205 km |
| Zomba | 118,440 | 228 km |
| Blantyre | 902,588 | 241 km |
| Tete | 357,000 | 244 km |
| Mzuzu | 249,564 | 279 km |
| Gurúè | 168,971 | 382 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lilongwe?
The population of Lilongwe, Malawi is approximately 1,115,815 people, making it the 491st largest city in the world and the 1st largest in Malawi.
Is Lilongwe the capital of Malawi?
Yes, Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi.
What timezone is Lilongwe in?
Lilongwe is in the Africa/Blantyre timezone.