🇲🇼Malawi Political Stability: 24.7/100

Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The Great Rift Valley runs through the country, with Lake Malawi forming a significant part of its eastern boundary. The climate varies from hot in the lowlands to temperate in the highlands, with a rainy season from November to April and dry months from May to September.

Malawi has a population of approximately 19 million people, with around 85% living in rural areas. The official language is English, and Chichewa is widely spoken. The country has a diverse cultural heritage influenced by various ethnic groups and traditions.

World Bank governance: rule of law 38th percentile, corruption control 21st percentile, political stability 23rd percentile.

Malawi's strongest governance dimension is Voice & Accountability at 42/100, placing it in the lower half globally. This indicates relatively strong citizen participation in selecting government, along with freedom of expression, association, and a free media.

The weakest dimension is Government Effectiveness at 11/100. Limited government effectiveness can mean inconsistent public services and gaps in policy implementation.

A notable 31-point gap between Voice & Accountability and Government Effectiveness reveals uneven governance. Some institutions function well while others lag significantly. Travelers should be aware that the quality of government services and protections may vary depending on the context.

Weak governance indicators for Malawi mean travelers should exercise heightened caution. Government services may be limited or unreliable, corruption can affect interactions with officials, and legal protections may not function as expected. Thorough preparation and situational awareness are essential.

The U.S. State Department currently rates Malawi as Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). This aligns with a governance profile that, while not without challenges, provides a baseline of institutional functioning.