Malawi is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. With 11 million people, it has roughly the same population as its neighbours Zambia and Zimbabwe, but with a quarter (Zimbabwe) and an eighth (Zambia) their size. By any reckoning Malawi is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Annual per capita income was estimated at $174 in 1994. Life expectancy is 41 years and almost half of the population is illiterate (44%). This land-locked country has few natural resources and little industry. Many goods must therefore be imported and prices are correspondingly high. The majority of people are engaged in subsistence agriculture, but 72% have less than one hectare for growing their food.

The country has enjoyed political stability. From 1964 (when it gained independence from Great Britain) until 1994 it was ruled by Kamuzu Banda. In 1993 voters opted for a change of government from a single party dictatorship to a multi-party democracy. The transition to democracy was peaceful and in 1994 Bakili Muluzi was elected President and a new 177 member Parliament was chosen by the voters. In June of 1999 Muluzi was elected to serve another term. These changes have resulted in a greater openness to outsiders and a freer discussion of ideas than was allowed under the Banda dictatorship.

The weather is surprisingly temperate. During the hot dry season (August to November) the temperature in most of the country reaches about 30ºC (86ºF). The rainy season, from November to April, has temperatures in the high 20sºC. Rather than continuous cloudy weather and monsoon-type rains, the rainy season in Malawi sees sunny days interrupted by occassional cloud-bursts. Giant cloud masses float across blue skies, sometimes building up into afternoon thunderstorms. Vast amounts of rain can fall in the short space of an hour or so, and after the storm system has rumbled its way onward, sunlight bathes the land once again. The cool time of year is May till August, when daytime temperatures are about 20ºC (70ºF).