The name Malawi
is thought to be a derivation of the word Maravi (ray of light); a landlocked, densely populated country, with an economy heavily dependent on agriculture. Malawi has few exploitable mineral resources, its most important export crops being tobacco, tea and sugar.

Malawi is situated in southeastern Africa.  The Great Rift Valley runs through the country from north to south.  Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa, makes up about 20% of Malawi's area.  Malawi is one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most densely populated countries.

Climate
Malawi's climate is subtropical. The rainy season runs from November through April. There is little to no rainfall throughout most of the country from May to October and is hot and humid from October to April along the lake and in the Lower Shire Valley.  From June through August, the lake areas and far south are comfortably warm, but the rest of Malawi can be chilly at night, with temperatures ranging from 5º C - 14º C (41ºF - 57ºF).