Malawi

A young boy holds up his chalkboard in a very crowded classroom - Malawi.

A young boy holds up his chalkboard in a very crowded classroom.© Giacomo Pirozzi (Panos)

Country overview

Land-locked Malawi is home to over 13 million people, 40% of whom live below the poverty line. Of these, 22% aren’t able to meet their minimum daily food needs. In 2009/2010, DFID will provide aid to Malawi totaling £75 million. Past support has helped the country reduce the deaths of under-5s by more than 10% since 2004.

Key facts

Population: 13.1 million
Average life expectancy: 52.4 years
Average per capita income: US$219
Total UK aid received (2008/09) £82m

Find out more in Key facts: Malawi

Major challenges

The key challenges in Malawi being addressed through DFID support are:

  • governance
  • health and HIV/AIDS
  • education
  • agriculture.

Find out more in Major challenges: Malawi

How We Have Helped

School with no excuses

School with no excuses

Since the installation of new toilet facilities Edna Phiri's school in Malawi smells better and attendance, including her own, has jumped.

Malawi - what climate change means for us

Malawi - what climate change means for us

People of Malawi give their take on the effects of climate change as world leaders continue to work out a deal