A short history of Malawi
Malawi was settled by various Bantu tribes, these tribes traded in agricultural surplus and ivory with Portuguese merchants on the coast. Scottish missionaries arrived in the country after hearing of David Livingstone's troubles.

They established a state by overwhelming the warlike Ngoni and Yao and by doing so, they suppressed slavery, opened up missions and started making inroads into traditional agricultural practices. The number of plantations in the country began to grow quickly due to the declaration of a Protectorate in 1891 and after the introduction of coffee.

A "hut tax" was introduced and traditional methods of agriculture such as the slash and burn method were discouraged as a consequence of this Africans were induced to get work on plantations or migrate to Zimbabwe and become migrant workers.

The Nyasaland African Congress was formed in the 1950's as an opposition group to colonial rule this was also opposed to federation with northern and southern Rhodesia. This group did not have much support until Dr Hastings Banda came home and took control of the leadership.

The colonial authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency due to the amount of support that had mounted for Banda as a result of this state of emergency leaders of the Congress including Banda were imprisoned and there was a rampage of suppression.

Banda was invited by the colonial authorities in 1961 to a constitutional conference. Elections were held shortly after and the Malawi Congress Party (Banda's party) won easily, the party dissolved the federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and in July 1964 Malawi became independent.

Many ministers resigned as a consequence of political differences, they would not pledge their allegiance to Banda, many of them took to violent opposition. Banda drew support from the peasant majority and eliminated opposition. Banda had himself declared "president for life". He outraged the OUA by refusing to ostracise the South African regime, and for paying for pogroms against threatening groups.

In 1977 a slight liberation was attempted. Banda had a wide control over the parliament if anybody criticised him they would be expelled and imprisoned.

In 1978 a general election was held which was the first one since independence, Banda personally vetted everyone who wanted to stand as a candidate, and he made all candidates take an English examination (therefore precluding 90 per cent of the population). Banda encouraged foreign capital investment especially from Britain, Taiwan and the USA.

He also encouraged ministers to establish plantations, forcing peasants off the land. Facilities such as education and medicine were low priorities while roads and railways serving plantations are the opposite. In 1984 Malawi was able to post its first ever balance of payments surplus on its current account. Malawi has signed a defence and security cooperation agreement with Mozambique this was with the intention of concealing the activities of the MNR, Mozambique is also supplying Malawi. With the cessation of hostilities in Mozambique, there is once more access to the Indian Ocean port of Nacala.

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. Malaria: Malaria risk: predominantly due to P. falciparum - exists throughout the year in the whole country. P. falciparum resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine - pyrimethamine reported. Recommended prophylaxis: mefloquine. It is recommended that visitors take precautions against typhoid, bilharzia, hepatitis and cholera in particular. AIDS/HIV is prevalent. Diseases caused by unsanitary conditions are common throughout the country, and untreated water should be considered unsafe to drink. Hospital facilities are generally poor and outside the major cities of Maputo and Beira medical facilities are limited. Comprehensive medical insurance is essential and it is recommended that visitors carry personal medical supplies with them

Currency: MWK Climate: In the south the climate is tropical with temperatures all year round fo 28 to 37 Celsius / 82 to 98 Fahrenheit. The average annual rainfall is 740mm / 30 inches. More moderate temperatures in the central region and heavier rainfall 1500 to 2000 mm / 60 to 80 inches.