In 2003, Malawi was a small landlocked nation located in southeast Africa. It had a population of around 11 million people, primarily speaking Chichewa and English. According to computergees, the capital city was Lilongwe, which is home to the National Assembly and several other important government buildings and monuments. The economy relied heavily on its agricultural sector with tobacco being the main export item. Tourism was also becoming increasingly popular due to its stunning lakeside resorts and unspoiled wildlife reserves. In addition to its natural beauty, Malawi had a rich cultural heritage with traditional music, cuisine and art that blended African influences with those from Asia and Europe. Despite its many challenges including poverty and political unrest in 2003, Malawi remained a vibrant country that held great promise for its future generations.
Yearbook 2003
Malawi. Despite severe flooding in January, Malawi rose during the year from the acute famine that characterized 2002. During the first quarter, more than 3 million Malawians were provided by the UN, but from April better harvests were expected than expected and food aid could be reduced.
After the threat of a starvation disaster was eliminated, politicians could instead start targeting the struggle for the presidential post. According to Countryaah.com, Malawi Independence Day is July 6. President Bakili Muluzi gave up plans for a constitutional amendment to be able to run for a third term in the 2004 elections. Instead, the Minister of Economic Planning, Bingu wa Mutharika, was named UDF’s (United Democratic Front) presidential candidate. Muluzi at the same time reformed the government and dismissed four ministers who criticized his attempt to be re-elected.
At the same time, the smaller opposition party AFORD (Alliance for Democracy) was incorporated into the government. Party leader Chakufwa Chihana was named second vice president and agriculture minister. The larger opposition party MCP (Malawi Congress Party), at a stormy congress, appointed political veteran John Tembo as its presidential candidate. Shortly thereafter, however, he lost his parliamentary seat after being convicted of a court-martial. As a result, it seemed unlikely that he would be allowed to stand in the election.
Four of Malawi’s most important lenders – Sweden, Norway, the UK and the EU – decided in October to resume the aid, however, on condition that the country strictly follows the terms of a new aid package negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The requirements included financial tightening in the public sector, repayment of past debts and reforms in the state administration. The aid had been withdrawn for a year in protest against, among other things. the widespread corruption.
Republic of Malawi Brief Guide
According to AbbreviationFinder, Malawi (formerly Njassamaa) is an inland state with ten million inhabitants in East Africa. Its neighbors are Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. To the east, it is also limited by Lake Njassajärvi, which is more than 500 kilometers long. The country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1964. It was ruled by one party for 30 years until the country held its first multi-party elections in 1994.
Take along the trip (safaris)
Binoculars (we recommend each with their own binoculars, note also for couples both their own), Camera accessories and memory cards, spare batteries.
It fits comfortably during the day in shorts, a T-shirt and sandals or sneakers. In the evenings, the hotels and lodge have a casual safari-themed dress style, which means we recommend cotton long-legged trousers and long-sleeved shirts (also for possible mosquitoes). Morning and evening park times can be very cool, so a light warm sweater and a windproof jacket are included.
Also included is a small daypack or bag where you can store your personal belongings during day trips. The suitcases are in the trunk of the SUV, so we recommend soft bags. Headgear, sunscreen (high protection factor), wet wipes, hand sanitizer gel, small link knife (observe safety instructions when packing for air travel). Footwear that has been “run in”. If you bring sandals, then we recommend well-fitting strap sandals for safaris. Mosquito venom should be brought from Finland, of course it can also be obtained on site if necessary.
Please note
The Malawian government has banned the manufacture, distribution and import of disposable, thin plastic bags. Plastic bag practices vary across African countries, and plastic bags in travelers ’luggage may be treated more leniently than plastic bags seen by locals in everyday use. If you want to avoid plastic bags in luggage, the liquids placed in hand luggage can be packed in a transparent bag made of silicone, for example. Note! Prohibition policies and regulations are subject to change without notice due to local authorities.