Malawi covers approximately 118,484 km² (45,747 sq mi), making it the 23rd smallest country in Africa and 100th in the world.

Malawi is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa, bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique, stretching about 900 km (560 miles) from north to south and varying in width from 90 to 161 km (56 to 100 miles) . Its total land area of 118,484 km² is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Ohio . The country is divided into three regions—Northern, Central, and Southern—further subdivided into 28 districts and numerous traditional authorities .

Geographic Features

Malawi's landscape is highly varied, including the East African Rift Valley, central plateaus, highlands, and isolated mountains. Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, spans 568 km in length and 16–80 km in width, covering over one-fifth of the country's total area . The Mulanje Mountains reach up to 3,002 meters, while the average elevation of the country is 779 meters . The Shire River valley in the south stretches about 400 km, connecting Lake Malawi to Mozambique .

Population and Density

Malawi has an estimated population of 22.2 million (as of July 2025), with 83% living in rural areas . The combination of its relatively small land area and population results in a high population density, particularly in the Central and Southern regions.

Summary

In terms of sub-size, Malawi is a small, narrow, and elongated country with a total area of 118,484 km², ranking 23rd smallest in Africa. Its geography is dominated by the Rift Valley, plateaus, and Lake Malawi, which significantly influences its land use, agriculture, and settlement patterns .