Africa is a unique continent that is less popular as a tourist destination than other parts of the world. But even here there are countries that fascinate with their beauty and culture. The state of Malawi is located in the southeastern part of the mainland. In 1975, the capital of Malawi established itself in the city of Lilongwe, which is the political business center of the country. For tourists, this settlement is of almost no value and interest, with the exception of the nature reserve, whose area today is 370 acres.
To get to know this city and the state as a whole, it is important to find out what Malawi's capital, area, and population are. These characteristics will tell about the settlement as much as the historical information about its development and formation.
Geographic features of the city
The state of Malawi, whose description includes not only territorial features, but also political structure, infrastructure and development history, is also called the hot heart of Africa. This is due to the location of the country on the territory of tectonicfaults, as well as with an amazing and diverse natural world. Lilongwe is located in the southwest of the country, at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level.
The huge Lake Nyasa stretches along the northern part of the country, the waters of which feed the evergreen tropical forests. The capital of Malawi is remote from the lake and most other large bodies of water, but the Lilongwe River flows here, which becomes shallow during the drought and floods during the rainy season.
Administrative unit
The state of Malawi covers an area of 118,480 square kilometers. A little over 15.5 million people live on this area. Moreover, the capital of the country of Malawi, Lilongwe, is a million-plus city, 1,077,116 people live here.
The State of Malawi is a republic ruled by a President. The capital of Malawi is the location of administrative buildings and the parliament, it is here that the entire political life of the state is concentrated. Modern Lilongwe is a city that is expanding at a rapid pace, with active construction of residential and office buildings.
Features of the device of the city of Lilongwe
The capital of the southeast African country is a city historically divided into two parts - the City Center and the Old City. The city center is relatively new buildings, administrative buildings, offices and embassies. There are no special attractions here, and for tourists this part of the city is of little interest.
Where more picturesque and colorful is the Old City. Hereone of the largest markets in the country is located, where you can buy absolutely everything - from groceries and ready meals to bicycles and cars.
Between the two parts of the city stretches a huge territory of the reserve, inside which several tourist routes are laid, and there is also an information center for wildlife. To better understand the structure and life of the capital of the state of Malawi, you need to go deep into the country, to study its features. After all, Lilongwe is the “face” of Malawi.
Nature and wildlife
The presence of reservoirs, vast tropical forests and a favorable climate contribute to the fact that countless animals, fish, birds live in Malawi. In addition, this state is known for varieties of flowers and plants that are considered rare in many other parts of the world. That is why Malawi, whose description of nature is so interesting and entertaining, attracts tourists and lovers of picturesque landscapes.
However, Lilongwe cannot boast of an abundance of natural and plant life. The rapidly growing population of the capital, permanent buildings and expansion encourage the animals to seek more secluded habitats. They live in forests and savannas where people rarely go. The tropics are a comfortable habitat for animals such as giraffes, elephants, zebras, rhinos, many species of antelope and snakes. Only the territory of the nature reserve near Lilongwe is famous for the Lingadzi River, in which countless crocodiles live.
The greatest naturalorchids are an attraction; there are more than 400 species of them in Malawi. In addition, gladioli, aloes, porteas and immortelle grow on the slopes of the mountains. The tropical climate and humidity near water bodies contribute to the beautiful and bright flowering of various plants.
He alth care and education in Lilongwe
Although Malawi's fairly modern and developed capital, Africa is generally known for poor he alth care. This situation causes a short life expectancy: men live on average 43 years, women - 42 years. The main cause of death is the constant epidemics of diseases such as tuberculosis, cholera, dysentery, dengue and malaria. In Lilongwe, these problems are less common but still present.
From the age of 6, children enter schools to receive compulsory primary education. It lasts 8 years, after which you can get secondary and higher education. The most demanded educational institutions are medical, agricultural and polytechnic colleges. In Lilongwe, young people are taught not only in colleges, but also in universities. Young people are gaining knowledge and skills that will help them survive in difficult economic conditions.
Economy and industry
There are practically no manufacturing plants and enterprises on the territory of Malawi, mainly the inhabitants of the state are engaged in agriculture. Therefore, Malawi is 90% agrarian country. Potatoes, corn, bananas are grown here, and for the export of tea and tobacco amongother African countries Malawi is the leader.
Only 10% of the country's working population is employed in industry: mainly textile and shoe factories, as well as plants for processing agricultural products. Most of them are located in Lilongwe and around the capital.
The capital of an African state is a bright representative of most cities on the mainland with their problems, the desire for development and the predominance of many established traditions that are still difficult for Malawians to change.
