local conditions and customs
Malawi
Malawi is one of the least developed countries in the world and heavily relies on international aid. The economy is mainly based on agriculture, and the main economic crops include tobacco, coffee, tea, cotton, and sugarcane. Tobacco is its most important economic crop, and the tobacco related industry absorbs 70% of the country's labor force. At the same time, tobacco is also Malawi's largest source of foreign exchange, accounting for 60% of the country's foreign exchange income, mainly sold to Europe. [1] In 2022, Malawi's gross domestic product (GDP) was 8.704 billion US dollars, with a per capita GDP of 444 US dollars and an economic growth rate of 1.7%.
religion：
About 82% of Malawi's residents believe in Protestantism and Catholicism, 13% of the residents believe in Islam, and the remaining minority believe in primitive religions.
custom：
Malawi men are generally not allowed to have their hair above the nape of their neck, nor are they allowed to wear flared pants. Women should not wear excessively exposed clothing. Black or white suits should be prepared for formal occasions such as banquets.
Most Malawians consume corn batter (Nsima) every day. People with good living conditions use corn flour and milk to make large pancakes, while also using red soup made from tomatoes and beef.
In Malawi, especially in rural areas, most people live in simple and rudimentary conditions, with houses constructed with walls made of woven branches and mud, and circular roofs made of banana leaves and thatch. In addition, Malawians are accustomed to going to bed early and getting up early, with most people going to bed around 9 pm.
Malawians are warm and hospitable. When interacting with them, one should pay attention to etiquette and treat each other sincerely. Malawians have a strong sense of national pride and should not intentionally or unintentionally use words, hints, or metaphors that harm their national emotions during conversations, as this may cause discomfort.
