Malawi is a small, landlocked nation in eastern Africa. It was colonized by the British and became independent in 1964. Malawi is among the world’s poorest nations. The economy is heavily based in agriculture, with a largely rural population. The county’s population is 16 million. Mzuzu (where I will be volunteering) is the third largest city and has about 1.7 million living in or near the city. The nearest airport is a four hour drive. Missionary and explorer David Livingstone reached Lake Malawi (then called Lake Nyasa) in 1859. British colonization followed.

Five Facts About Malawi:

1. The Portuguese introduced maize (corn- originally from the New World) to the region. Today, maize is the staple grain of Malawi.

2. Lake Malawi was once called “The Lake of the Stars” by Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone, because lantern lights he saw from the fishermen’s boats resembled the stars at night.

3. In 2006, the pop star Madonna adopted a Malawian orphan.

4. Malawian men generally prefer wearing pants rather than shorts, as shorts are seen as a piece of clothing worn only by children.

5. The Chambo fish, one of Malawi’s favorite delicacies, is an endangered species. Lake Malawi is home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world.