Malawi Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 60th most populous · Low income
Population right now (estimate)
22,965,860
The population of Malawi is about 22,965,860 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 22.8 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.28% of the world's people.
Malawi is ranked 60th of 217 by population. Its population is growing fast — about 2.6% a year, roughly 1,600 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 37.4 million. That is 6.3 times its 1960 population of 3.6 million. Population density is 242 people per square kilometre. 18% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
22.8 million
Yearly change
+2.56%
World rank
60th
Share of world
0.28%
Density
242/km²
Land area
94,280 km²
Life expectancy
67.6 yrs
Births per woman
3.59
GDP per capita
$672
GDP
$14.9B
Population of Malawi, 1960–2050
Malawi population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 3,628,134 | — | 38 |
| 1970 | 4,633,944 | +2.49% | 49 |
| 1980 | 6,265,529 | +3.93% | 66 |
| 1990 | 9,545,852 | +4.03% | 101 |
| 2000 | 11,315,942 | +2.43% | 120 |
| 2010 | 14,826,463 | +2.99% | 157 |
| 2020 | 19,533,888 | +2.67% | 207 |
| 2024 | 21,655,286 | +2.61% | 230 |
| 2026proj. | 22,785,535 | +2.56% | 242 |
| 2030proj. | 25,160,287 | +2.47% | 267 |
| 2040proj. | 31,302,098 | +1.99% | 332 |
| 2050proj. | 37,361,683 | +1.63% | 396 |
Malawi vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 7.8 times as many people as Malawi. Bangladesh is 5.7 times more densely populated.
Malawi population: questions and answers
What is the population of Malawi in 2026?
About 22,785,535 (22.8 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Malawi's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.56% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Malawi?
About 242 people per km², with a land area of 94,280 km².
What will the population of Malawi be in 2050?
About 37.4 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Malawi?
Lilongwe.
What is the life expectancy in Malawi?
67.6 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.