Malawi
Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule, the country held multiparty elections in 1994 under a provisional constitution, which took full effect the following year.
President Bakili Muluzi was voted into office in 1994 to replace President Hastings Banda, who had ruled with an iron fist for 30 years. A former cabinet minister under Banda, Muluzi freed political prisoners and has allowed freedom of expression. Muluzi was re-elected to a second term in 1999. He saw heavy criticism from donor countries and agencies, opposition parties, religious leaders and civil rights groups over his inaction in the face of reports of fraud and corruption in his government.
In 2004, a dozen people were shot by police in Blantyre as protesters challenged the election victory of new President Bingu wa Mutharika, who was sworn in on May 24 after a chaotic poll criticized by foreign observers.
Malawi is one of the least developed African nations with the bulk of the population relying on agriculture for their existence, in a country where drought and flooding are alternate concerns. Ninety per cent of the population lives in the countryside where health (notably HIV/AIDS) and education rank as serious problems.
While there are no known threats to expatriate personnel traveling to or residing in Malawi, street demonstrations by student groups and labor unions are not uncommon. These can turn violent and police response can be harsh and indiscriminate. From time to time, strikes among civil servants shut down numerous services, including health, customs, and transport.
