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Photo: Rockwurm derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Malawi
Malawi places highest on Cost of Sending Remittances (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity (bottom 1%).
Malawi in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
21,104,482
people
since 1950
Land area
94,280
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
1,623
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
67.35
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.517
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
5.072
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Malawi
Key facts about Malawi
- Capital
- Lilongwe
- Official languages
- Chewa, English, Tumbuka
- Currency
- Malawian kwacha (MWK)
- ISO code
- MWI · MW
- Domain · dialling
- .mw · +265
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Malawi’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
12thof 161
From 3 of 3 key statistics
56thof 177
From 3 of 3 key statistics
98thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
98thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
131stof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
148thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
joint140thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
163rdof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
179thof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
137thof 150
From 3 of 3 key statistics
171stof 182
From 2 of 4 key statistics
No standing — Malawi holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Malawi’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Malawi in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Malawi stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Malawi sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Malawi does best7
In the top third of all countries measured. 5 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 194 · 190.08 · 2022
world median 107.06 (better) · ▲ 97 pts since 2012
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 1st
Position · derived 93rd of 93 · 1 = worst · -49.69 · 2023
world median 3.225 (better) · ▲ 95 pts since 2016
- 9th
Position · derived 9th of 86 · 47.74 · 2024
world median 35.86 (better)
- 9thFood Production Indextop 4%
Position · derived 9th of 195 · 146.13 · 2022
world median 106.08 (better) · ▲ 92 pts since 2012
Position · derived 14th of 190 · 95.63 · 2024
world median 31.14 (better) · ▲ 2 pts since 2014
- Crop Production Indextop 8%
Position · derived 17th of 195 · 135.51 · 2022
world median 106.23 (better) · ▲ 85 pts since 2012
Where Malawi struggles most8
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 7 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 2ndPrevalence of Severe Food Insecuritybottom 1%
Position · derived 2nd of 127 · 1 = worst · 55.6 · 2023
world median 4.7 (worse)
- 3rd
Position · derived 3rd of 97 · 1 = worst · 39.42 · 2024
world median 14.31 (worse) · ▼ 34 pts since 2017
- 5th
- 5thGDP per Capita (PPP)bottom 2%
Position · derived 181st of 185 · 1,623 · 2025
world median 17,265 (worse)
- 5thGNI per Capita (PPP)bottom 4%
Position · derived 98th of 102 · 1,561 · 2025
world median 14,273 (worse)
- 6thInformal Employment Ratebottom 5%
Position · derived 6th of 97 · 1 = worst · 91.29 · 2025
world median 36.83 (worse)
- 8thGDP per Person Employedbottom 4%
Position · derived 161st of 168 · 4,563 · 2025
world median 47,384 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Malawi can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
135th
of 141 · 1990
172nd
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
87th
of 173 · 2012
109th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
100th
of 107 · 1998
155th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 26 of 34 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
121st
of 140 · 1995
118th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
156th
of 172 · 2020
149th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Malawi has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
Nothing further moved meaningfully in this direction.
Losing ground
Where Malawi has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Open Data Inventory-71 pts since 2015
- Internal Displacements by Disaster-63 pts since 2014
05In context
Malawi and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Eastern Africa
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- =46
Mauritius - =118
Rwanda - 122
Kenya - 124
Zambia - 127
Tanzania - 129
Uganda - 130Malawi
- 142
Ethiopia - 147
Mozambique - 149
Zimbabwe - 153
Comoros - 155
Madagascar - 156
Djibouti - 157
Burundi - 174
Somalia - —
Eritreanot placed - —
Seychellesnot placed - —Somalilandnot placed
- —
South Sudannot placed
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Malawi
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions21
Agriculture Orientation Index67th of 132position · derived0.3Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
Middle · bottom 48% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Malawi 0.3 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▼ -29 percentile points since 2014
Civic Space Ratings103rd of 198position · derived49.78Civic space score (0–100)2025
Middle · bottom 48% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Malawi 49.78 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 21%78.2Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Malawi 78.2 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index109th of 181rank34CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Malawi 34 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment59th of 78position · derived2.875IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Malawi 2.875 · world median 3.246 (worse)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt65th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst10.56Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
Middle · top 41% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Malawi 10.56 · world median 12.93 (better)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)75th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst35.25External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
Upper middle · top 32% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Malawi 35.25 · world median 43.94 (better)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
General Government Consumption51st of 132position · derived18.24General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Upper middle · top 38% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Malawi 18.24 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2017
Government AI Readiness Index149th of 195rank24.22AI readiness score (0–100)2025
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Malawi 24.22 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness162nd of 209position · derived-0.726Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
Lower middle · bottom 23% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Malawi -0.726 · world median 0.01 (worse)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Open Data Inventory145th of 168rank38ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 13% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Malawi 38 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -71 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment133rd of 135position · derived2.396Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Malawi 2.396 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill113th of 168position · derived6.144Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Malawi 6.144 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality147th of 209position · derived-0.585Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malawi -0.585 · world median -0.09 (worse)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Rule of Law109th of 211position · derived-0.146Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Middle · bottom 49% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malawi -0.146 · world median -0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
No real change since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators115th of 188position · derived64.34SPI overall score (0–100)2024
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Malawi 64.34 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density110th of 139position · derived8.85Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Malawi 8.85 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index79th of 176position · derived0.557Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
Middle · top 45% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Malawi 0.557 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability110th of 208position · derived-0.109Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Middle · bottom 47% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malawi -0.109 · world median -0.02 (worse)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Women, Business and the Law101st of 190position · derived80WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
Middle · bottom 46% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Malawi 80 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation26
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution109th of 139position · derived50.37Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Malawi 50.37 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Land32nd of 209position · derived64.17Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
Top fifth · top 15% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Malawi 64.17 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)10th of 158position · derived30.03Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 6% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Malawi 30.03 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Cereal Yield127th of 179position · derived1,857Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
Lower middle · bottom 29% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Malawi 1,857 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Crop Production Index17th of 195position · derived135.51Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Top fifth · top 8% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Malawi 135.51 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +85 percentile points since 2012
Economic Complexity Index118th of 145rank-1.007ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Malawi -1.007 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)133rd of 138position · derived10.65Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Malawi 10.65 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2017
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare96th of 188position · derived87.36Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
Middle · top 50% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Malawi 87.36 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2013
Food Production Index9th of 195position · derived146.13Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Top fifth · top 4% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Malawi 146.13 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▲ +92 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth136th of 186position · derived1.885GDP growth (annual %)2025
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Malawi 1.885 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)181st of 185position · derived1,623GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 2% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Malawi 1,623 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Global Innovation Index125th of 139rank15.99GII score (0–100)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Malawi 15.99 · world median 28.52 (worse)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
No earlier reading to compare
GNI per Capita (PPP)98th of 102position · derived1,561GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Malawi 1,561 · world median 14,273 (worse)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
No real change since 2017
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)115th of 131position · derived15.73Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 12% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Malawi 15.73 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2017
Gross Savings (% of GDP)145th of 146position · derived-1.989Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Malawi -1.989 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
No real change since 2017
Household Consumption14th of 131position · derived84.12Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 10% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Malawi 84.12 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2017
ICT Goods Exports91st of 119position · derived0.14ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Malawi 0.14 · world median 0.975 (worse)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)102nd of 138position · derived28.75Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 26% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Malawi 28.75 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2017
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)143rd of 158position · derived14.3Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Malawi 14.3 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index137th of 169position · derived0.365IHDI (0–1)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Malawi 0.365 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density68th of 188position · derived0.72Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
Upper middle · top 36% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Malawi 0.72 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▲ +31 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Production Index1st of 194position · derived190.08Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Top fifth · top 1% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Malawi 190.08 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +97 percentile points since 2012
Net Official Development Assistance Received17th of 130position · derived13.14Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
Top fifth · top 12% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Malawi 13.14 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
No real change since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)75th of 180position · derived4.223Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
Upper middle · top 38% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Malawi 4.223 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)119th of 138position · derived39.4Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 14% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Malawi 39.4 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2017
World Energy Trilemma Index95th of 99rank36.6Trilemma score (0–100)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Malawi 36.6 · world median 63.8 (worse)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour19
Average Weekly Hours Worked166th of 182position · derived30.76Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Malawi 30.76 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture8th of 182position · derived64.98Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
Top fifth · top 4% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Malawi 64.98 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry175th of 182position · derived7.343Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Malawi 7.343 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Services173rd of 182position · derived27.68Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 5% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Malawi 27.68 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio78th of 182position · derived59.4Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
Middle · top 43% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Malawi 59.4 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate59th of 182position · derived58.18Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Upper middle · top 32% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Malawi 58.18 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management9th of 86position · derived47.74Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)2024
Top fifth · top 9% of 86 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)
Malawi 47.74 · world median 35.86 (better)
Best in the world 56.69 (Nauru)
No earlier reading to compare
Firms with a Female Top Manager123rd of 179position · derived13.51Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 31% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Malawi 13.51 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed161st of 168position · derived4,563GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Malawi 4,563 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Informal Employment Rate6th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst91.29Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 5% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Malawi 91.29 · world median 36.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate85th of 182position · derived62.58Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Middle · top 46% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Malawi 62.58 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked171st of 182position · derived2.88Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Malawi 2.88 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate43rd of 182position · derived61.26Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
Upper middle · top 23% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Malawi 61.26 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate94th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst5.072Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
Middle · top 49% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Malawi 5.072 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment40th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst59.91Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Malawi 59.91 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Working Poverty Ratebottom 4%73.06Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Malawi 73.06 · world median 4.885 (worse)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
No real change since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training3rd of 97position · derived · 1 = worst39.42Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 2% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Malawi 39.42 · world median 14.31 (worse)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▼ -34 percentile points since 2017
Youth Unemployment Rate140th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst6.947Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
Upper middle · top 23% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Malawi 6.947 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge6
Adult Literacy Rate141st of 172position · derived70.15Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 18% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Malawi 70.15 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling173rd of 195position · derived9.903Expected years of schooling2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Malawi 9.903 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling166th of 193position · derived5.244Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 14% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Malawi 5.244 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Primary Completion Rate152nd of 165position · derived57.71Primary completion rate (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Malawi 57.71 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Completion Rate142nd of 164position · derived18.13Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 13% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Malawi 18.13 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 15%80.7315–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Malawi 80.73 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing18
Children with Functional Difficultiestop 43%14Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
Middle · top 43% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Malawi 14 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply126th of 155position · derived2,532Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Malawi 2,532 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months15th of 136position · derived64.05Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
Top fifth · top 10% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Malawi 64.05 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index155th of 172rank0.581GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Malawi 0.581 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index24th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.231MPI (0–1)2025
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Malawi 0.231 · world median 0.039 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2018
Global Report on Food Crises14th of 44position · derived · 1 = worst28In IPC Phase 3+ (% of analysed population)2024
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 44 countries measured
Food Security Information Network (FSIN) · In IPC Phase 3+ (% of analysed population)
Malawi 28 · world median 22 (worse)
Best in the world 3 (El Salvador)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2016
Global Violent Deaths137th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst2.08Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
Upper middle · top 34% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Malawi 2.08 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
No real change since 2011
Human Capital Index140th of 172position · derived0.413HCI score (0–1)2020
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Malawi 0.413 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index172nd of 193rank0.517HDI score (0–1)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Malawi 0.517 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
INFORM Severity Index38th of 81position · derived · 1 = worst3.2INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
Middle · bottom 48% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Malawi 3.2 · world median 3.1 (worse)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2020
Life Expectancy at Birth175th of 222position · derived67.35Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Malawi 67.35 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio37th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst224.95Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Malawi 224.95 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare151st of 178position · derived0.31Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 17% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Malawi 0.31 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity2nd of 127position · derived · 1 = worst55.6Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Malawi 55.6 · world median 4.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment24th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst21.4Population undernourished (%)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 14% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Malawi 21.4 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five19th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst34.9Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Malawi 34.9 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate30th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst48.78Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Malawi 48.78 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children31st of 90position · derived · 1 = worst82.1Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Malawi 82.1 · world median 75.8 (worse)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital12
Access to Electricitybottom 1%15.6Population with electricity access (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Malawi 15.6 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Agricultural Irrigated Land96th of 121position · derived0.582Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Malawi 0.582 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Arable Land per Person64th of 206position · derived0.19Arable land (hectares per person)2023
Upper middle · top 31% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Malawi 0.19 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiobottom 23%1.9Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
Lower middle · bottom 23% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Malawi 1.9 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
No real change since 2012
Child Marriage14th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst38.7Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Malawi 38.7 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality48th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst29.02Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Malawi 29.02 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Cost of Sending Remittances93rd of 93position · derived · 1 = worst-49.69Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
Top fifth · top 1% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Malawi -49.69 · world median 3.225 (better)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▲ +95 percentile points since 2016
Gender Development Index145th of 184position · derived0.925Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Malawi 0.925 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production55th of 179position · derived2,043,825Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
Upper middle · top 30% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Malawi 2,043,825 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area92nd of 150position · derived0.4Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
Middle · bottom 41% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Malawi 0.4 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +39 percentile points since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI134th of 156position · derived0.507PHDI (0–1)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 14% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Malawi 0.507 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector38th of 171position · derived85.94Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
Upper middle · top 22% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Malawi 85.94 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Environment & Sustainability8
Agricultural Emissions87th of 193position · derived11,535Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
Middle · top 44% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Malawi 11,535 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2013
Ecological Footprint115th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst0.782Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
Top fifth · top 9% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Malawi 0.782 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Forest Area127th of 210position · derived22.44Forest area (% of land area)2023
Middle · bottom 41% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Malawi 22.44 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster36th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst65,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Malawi 65,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -63 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita140th of 181position · derived784.69Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
Lower middle · bottom 23% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Malawi 784.69 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation14th of 190position · derived95.63Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
Top fifth · top 7% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Malawi 95.63 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress127th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst4.11Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
Upper middle · top 28% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Malawi 4.11 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2013
World Risk Index108th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst3.38WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
Middle · top 44% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Malawi 3.38 · world median 4.17 (better)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality1
Social Institutions and Gender Index51st of 140position · derived · 1 = worst31.5SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Malawi 31.5 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
Upper middle · top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Malawi 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index124th of 149rank · 1 = worst63.38GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
Top fifth · top 17% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Malawi 63.38 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index43rd of 191position · derived · 1 = worst5.4INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
Lower middle · bottom 23% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Malawi 5.4 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2016
Physical Violence Index70th of 176position · derived0.857Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
Upper middle · top 39% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Malawi 0.857 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence142nd of 211position · derived-0.38Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malawi -0.38 · world median 0.04 (worse)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Malawi. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adjusted Net Savings
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2016
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Container Port Traffic
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Gini Index · last seen 2019
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2016
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 2022
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2010
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2019
- Liner Shipping Connectivity Index
- Logistics Performance Index · last seen 2018
- Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2022
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2019
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2019
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2019
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2019
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2019
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2021
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2022
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2020
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Malawi can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 32 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Malawi on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Malawi: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/malawi