Rank #115 by World Population
🇲🇼Malawi
Malawi has a population of 21,104,482, ranking #115 in the world. The capital is Lilongwe. Located in Sub-Saharan Africa .
World Bank: Low income
21,104,482
Population
#115
World Rank
67.4
Life Expectancy
$633
GDP Per Capita
Malawi, #115 by world population
Malawi Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Malawi had a population of 3,628,134 in 1960 and 21,655,286 in 2024, a 6.0× growth over 64 years. The peak was 21,655,286 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.84%.
21,655,286
Population (2024)
3,628,134
Population (1960)
21,655,286
Peak (2024)
2.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 3,628,134 |
| 1961 | 3,715,534 |
| 1962 | 3,806,307 |
| 1963 | 3,900,506 |
| 1964 | 3,997,305 |
| 1965 | 4,096,157 |
| 1966 | 4,197,926 |
| 1967 | 4,303,012 |
| 1968 | 4,411,054 |
| 1969 | 4,521,184 |
| 1970 | 4,633,944 |
| 1971 | 4,751,434 |
| 1972 | 4,874,475 |
| 1973 | 5,003,938 |
| 1974 | 5,141,337 |
| 1975 | 5,287,367 |
| 1976 | 5,443,384 |
| 1977 | 5,614,983 |
| 1978 | 5,810,132 |
| 1979 | 6,028,749 |
| 1980 | 6,265,529 |
| 1981 | 6,516,454 |
| 1982 | 6,778,879 |
| 1983 | 7,051,709 |
| 1984 | 7,332,810 |
| 1985 | 7,620,508 |
| 1986 | 7,906,480 |
| 1987 | 8,293,174 |
| 1988 | 8,753,262 |
| 1989 | 9,176,220 |
| 1990 | 9,545,852 |
| 1991 | 9,844,227 |
| 1992 | 10,135,079 |
| 1993 | 10,284,024 |
| 1994 | 10,164,894 |
| 1995 | 10,150,117 |
| 1996 | 10,352,228 |
| 1997 | 10,562,035 |
| 1998 | 10,792,876 |
| 1999 | 11,047,804 |
| 2000 | 11,315,942 |
| 2001 | 11,593,058 |
| 2002 | 11,880,440 |
| 2003 | 12,181,574 |
| 2004 | 12,500,737 |
| 2005 | 12,840,031 |
| 2006 | 13,198,701 |
| 2007 | 13,576,343 |
| 2008 | 13,976,417 |
| 2009 | 14,395,788 |
| 2010 | 14,826,463 |
| 2011 | 15,265,022 |
| 2012 | 15,709,577 |
| 2013 | 16,161,816 |
| 2014 | 16,621,538 |
| 2015 | 17,085,587 |
| 2016 | 17,557,739 |
| 2017 | 18,039,715 |
| 2018 | 18,528,081 |
| 2019 | 19,025,752 |
| 2020 | 19,533,888 |
| 2021 | 20,047,258 |
| 2022 | 20,568,728 |
| 2023 | 21,104,482 |
| 2024 | 21,655,286 |
Demographics
| Population | 21,104,482 |
| Population Growth Rate | 2.57% |
| Urban Population | 17.0% |
| Fertility Rate | 3.65 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 67.4 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 38.4 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | 70.2% |
Economy & Trade
$633
GDP Per Capita
5.0%
Unemployment Rate
Low income
Income Level
38.5
Gini Index (inequality)
42.4%
Trade (% of GDP)
Health & Education
6.5%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.05
Physicians per 1,000
70.2%
Literacy Rate
38.4
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
15.6%
Electricity Access
16.8%
Internet Users
60
Mobile Subs per 100
223.8
People per km2
-5,811
Net Migration
Environment
22.4%
Forest Area
Malawi Climate
Malawi has an average annual temperature of 20.4°C (69°F) and receives about 872 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is November and the coldest is July. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
20.4°C
Avg Temp
872
Precip (mm/yr)
Nov
Hottest Month
Jul
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22° / 71° | 228 mm |
| February | 22° / 71° | 193 mm |
| March | 22° / 71° | 136 mm |
| April | 21° / 69° | 45 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 9 mm |
| June | 17° / 62° | 1 mm |
| July | 16° / 61° | 2 mm |
| August | 18° / 64° | 0 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 1 mm |
| October | 23° / 73° | 9 mm |
| November | 24° / 74° | 69 mm |
| December | 23° / 73° | 179 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Malawi
The most comfortable months to visit Malawi are typically September, October and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is November (around 30°C high). The coldest is July (near 9°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Malawi in global context
Malawi is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Malawi has a population of 21,104,482, ranking #115 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 2.57%.
Life expectancy in Malawi is 67.4 years. The infant mortality rate is 38.4 per 1,000 live births.
Malawi's GDP per capita is $633. It is classified as a low income country by the World Bank.
17.0% of Malawi's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 223.8 people per square kilometer.
The adult literacy rate in Malawi is 70.2%.
The most comfortable months to visit Malawi are typically September, October and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Malawi has an average annual temperature of 20.4°C and about 872 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically November and the coldest is July.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
With 21,104,482 residents, Malawi is a country in Sub-Saharan Africa . The population is expanding fast — roughly 2.6% annually.
Malawi is a lower-income economy, with GDP per capita of about $633. Life expectancy is 67.4 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 3.6 births per woman, and 17.0% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.