Tagged: Malawi

According to wholevehicles, Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south and west. It has a total area of 118,484 km2 (45,747 sq mi). Much of Malawi’s land consists of rolling plateaus that form part of the Great Rift Valley. The highest point in Malawi is Sapitwa Peak at 3,002 meters (9,849 ft) above sea level. The Nyika Plateau lies in northern Malawi and covers an area of 1,500 square kilometers (580 sq mi). This plateau includes several mountains such as Mlanje Mountain which is the highest mountain range in southern Africa at 2,000 meters (6,562 ft). The Shire River flows through the central part of Malawi and empties into Lake Malawi. The lake is situated on the western border with Mozambique and covers an area of 29,600 square kilometers (11,400 sq mi). It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Africa. In addition to Lake Malawi there are several other lakes located throughout the country such as Chilwa Lake which is located near Blantyre. The climate in Malawi can be divided into two distinct seasons; a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. During the wet season temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F) while during dry season temperatures average around 25°C (77°F). Rainfall varies between regions with some areas receiving over 2000mm per year while others receive less than 500mm per year. Malawi’s topography consists mostly of plains with some hills scattered throughout its borders. Its soil is mostly composed of red clay which makes it difficult for agricultural production due to poor drainage and low fertility levels. Despite this limitation Malawians have managed to cultivate crops such as maize and cassava with success due to their innovative techniques such as crop rotation or intercropping. Forests cover 14% percent of Malawi’s total land area but they are slowly being depleted due to deforestation caused by slash-and-burn agriculture practices or charcoal production for domestic use or commercial sale. See bridgat for weather information in Malawi.