For more information see the Malawi profile.

The Republic of Malawi is a Central African state extending along Lake Malawi and its outflow river, the Shire. It is landlocked and virtually an enclave within Mozambique. Malawi is a relatively poor country, but self sufficient in food through emphasis on rural development.

The nation becanme independent from Britain in 1964. Dr. Hastings Banda, a self proclaimed life president, has ruled since 1971. He brought economic stability but also near elimination of all dissent and, increasingly, corruption in the administration. Finally, multi-party elections were held in 1993.

There is freedom of religion, but not for religious leaders to question the administration. Malawi has proved to be the most spiritually receptive country in central Africa.