Malawi
Republic of Malawi
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.57%
Malawi is a Eastern Africa landlocked nation of around 20.7 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. This landlocked territory spans 118,484 km² with a density of 175 people per km². Its capital is Lilongwe, and official languages include English and Chewa, while the Malawian kwacha serves as the national currency.
Population
20,734,262
Area
118,484 km²
Density
175/km²
World Rank
#62
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 31.4 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 5.4 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 40.7% of the population is under 15, while only 2.6% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Lilongwe
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English, Chewa
- Currencies
- Malawian kwacha (MK)
- Calling Code
- +265
- Top-Level Domain
- .mw
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 20,734,262
- Land Area
- 118,484 km²
- Population Density
- 175 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.57%
- Annual Growth
- +532,871 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,460 people
- World Population Share
- 0.26%
- Coordinates
- -13.50°, 34.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $523 classifies Malawi as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 5.1%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 38.5 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
67.3 years
GDP per Capita
$523
Birth Rate
31.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.4 per 1,000
Urban Population
17.3%
Fertility Rate
3.65 births/woman
Infant Mortality
29.4 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.1%
Literacy Rate
70.2%
Internet Users
18.0%
Under 15
40.7%
Over 65
2.6%
Health Spending
6.5% GDP
Gini Index
38.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
8.4M
15-64 years
11.8M
65+ years
537K
Urbanization
Only 17.3% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, Lilongwe, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 5628.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
3.6M
17.3%
17.2M
82.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 67.3 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 29.4 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 70.2% is below the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Malawi
Malawi has 4 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Malawi is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Malawi participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 20,734,262 |
| 2030 | 22,834,237 |
| 2035 | 25,498,160 |
| 2040 | 28,192,386 |
| 2045 | 30,906,938 |
| 2050 | 33,635,567 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Malawi.
Largest Cities in Malawi
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Malawi by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Malawi?
The population of Malawi is approximately 20.7 million as of 2026, making it #62 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Malawi?
The capital of Malawi is Lilongwe.
What languages are spoken in Malawi?
The main languages spoken in Malawi are English, Chewa.
How big is Malawi?
Malawi covers an area of 118,484 km² with a population density of 175 people per km².
Is Malawi growing or shrinking?
Malawi is growing at a rate of 2.57% per year, adding approximately 532,871 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Malawi?
The average life expectancy in Malawi is 67.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Malawi?
The GDP per capita of Malawi is $523.