Malawi, officially the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania to the north and northeast, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique on the east, south, and west. The capital city is Lilongwe, which is also the largest city in the country. Historically, the region now known as Malawi was inhabited by Bantu-speaking peoples who migrated there several centuries ago. It became a British protectorate in 1891 and achieved independence in 1964. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, a key figure in the independence movement, served as the country's leader for three decades after independence. Malawi's economy is predominantly agricultural, with a largely rural population. The main agricultural products include tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, and cassava. Despite being one of the world's least-developed countries, Malawi has made significant progress in some areas, particularly in education and healthcare. However, the country still faces challenges such as poverty, malnutrition, and a high rate of HIV/AIDS. The population of Malawi is composed of various ethnic groups, with the Chewa being the largest. Other significant ethnic groups include the Lomwe, Yao, Tumbuka, Ngoni, and Sena. English is the official language, and Chichewa is the national language spoken by the majority of the population. Culturally, Malawi is known for its traditional music and dances, such as the Gule Wamkulu, a ritual dance performed by the Chewa people. The country is also famous for its warm and friendly people, often referred to as "the Warm Heart of Africa." Geographically, Malawi is notable for its topography, which includes highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and a large lake, Lake Malawi. This lake, also known as Lake Nyasa, is one of the African Great Lakes and the third largest in Africa. It occupies about one-fifth of the country's total area and is home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world, many of which are endemic. Despite its natural beauty, Malawi faces environmental challenges, including deforestation, land degradation, and threats to its biodiversity. The government and various international organizations are working to address these issues and promote sustainable development. Population of Malawi from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 18.14 million inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 18.63 million inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 19.13 million inhabitants. Capital (Lilongwe): Population in 2020: About 1.08 million inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Lilongwe: 1.08 million Blantyre: 800,264 Mzuzu: 221,272 Zomba: 105,013 Kasungu: 67,967 Mangochi: 51,429 Karonga: 42,555 Salima: 36,789 Nkhotakota: 33,150 Liwonde: 29,366 Malawi is divided into 28 districts, grouped into 3 regions.