Abstract

PIP: Malawi is located in southeastern Africa with Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia as its neighboring countries. The country's climate is subtropical, conducive to the tobacco, tea, coffee and sugar grown there. The population of Malawi is predominantly rural with 90% of the population engaging in subsistence farming. Most of the people are of Bantu origin. There is no visa requirement for those travelling in Malawi, but there are conditions to be aware of for the visitor to Malawi. The government bans the wearing of slacks or shorts by women and hair below the nape of the neck for men. Malaria is endemic and tsetse flies and the risk of encephalitis are present. The water, however, is potable and telecommunications within Malawi are good. The political structure of the country is headed by an elected present and a presidentially appointed cabinet. There are 118 seats in the country's unicameral National Assembly. Although Malawi has traditionally been self-sufficient, it suffered from the world commodity price recession in the 1980s. However, Malawi has continued to grow economically at a slower rate. The United States and Malawi enjoy good diplomatic relations and have an open exchange program. As well, relations with neighboring countries, particularly Mozambique, have improved greatly.