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Each
of these groups have their own language. However the Chewa are
the main group and their language, Chichewa, is spoken throughout
Malawi. English is also spoken throughout Malawi, especially in
the cities and towns.
Most Malawians are Christian. There are Muslims in the north, especially near Lake Malawi. However, many Malawians also keep to traditional religious beliefs as well.
Malawians are friendly polite people, and welcome visitors to their country. Visitors often hear the phrases: Takulandirani or Mwalandilidwa (Welcome) and Muli bwanji? (How are you?)
In
1994, education in primary school was made compulsory and free,
which has led to most Malawian children attending school. However,
it created problems because more children enrolled in school than
schools could cope with. Classes are often held outdoors, and
it is not unusual to have one teacher and up to 100 students in
a class. Children start school when they are six. They stay at
primary school for eight years, at the end of which time they
do an exam which they must pass in order to go to a government
secondary school. Outside school, children play sports and other
games. Little girls play with dolls or toys made out of clay.
Little boys play with toys made from wood or clay.
Students attend secondary school for four years. They can to to a government or private school. They must do two exams: Junior School Certificate at the end of second year and Malawi School Certificate at the end of fourth year. In fourth year, students can be selected to attend a college or university. There are two universities, the University of Malawi and the University of Mzuzu. Popular sports are football and netball.
Almost
90% of Malawians live in country areas. Farming is the main occupation
in Malawi, but less than half the land is suitable for crops.
The rest is pasture, mountains or forests. Most farmers have less
than two hectares to farm. The main crop is maize, with tobacco,
tea and sugar grown for export.
Most people in country areas are very poor. There has been extensive drought, and with high prices for transporting harvested crops, many people can't earn enough to make full advantage of their land.
Groups
from other countries are currently trying to help Malawian farmers
by introducing them to new ways of farming and new crops. They
are also helping to set up fish farming, or aquaculture, in Malawi.
Lilongwe is the
capital of Malawi, built in 1906 along the bank of the Lilongwe
River. There are shops, hotels and restaurants, and suburbs surrounding
the city centre.
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Acknowledge
this source in your bibliography like this:
Malawi
(2004).
[Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au
Updated January 2004