is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. Known as the "warm heart of Africa," Malawi gained independence from the British in the 60s and became a multi-party democracy in 1994. It is home to almost 20 million people. The official language is Chichewa and there are several other native languages spoken in the country.

 

One of the least developed countries in the world, Malawi has struggled with floods, droughts, malaria and the AIDS epidemic. The per capita annual income in Malawi is only $290 and most of the population relies on subsistence farming.

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Lake Malawi is the crown jewel of the country, stretching almost 350 miles long from the northern to southern tip. It is the 9th largest lake in the world, home to more species of fish than any other lake on the planet.