Malawi, officially the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south and southwest. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, including Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa. Malawi gained independence from British colonial rule in 1964 and has a population of over 18 million people. The capital city is Lilongwe, while the largest city is Blantyre. Malawi's economy is largely agriculture-based, with a focus on tobacco, tea, and sugar exports. The country faces challenges such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, and environmental issues, but has made strides in improving healthcare and education in recent years.