Malawi has experienced significant population growth over the past several decades. In 1960, the country’s population was around 3.5 million, but as of 2023, it has surged to over 20 million people. This rapid increase is driven by high fertility rates, with an average of more than four children per woman, and a relatively young population—over half of Malawians are under the age of 18. Despite improvements in healthcare, life expectancy remains modest, but declining mortality rates have contributed to the population boom. The fast-growing population presents both opportunities and challenges for Malawi, including increased pressure on resources, infrastructure, education, and employment.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 2,816,600 | 29.9 |
| 1955 | 3,088,155 | 32.8 |
| 1960 | 3,450,444 | 36.7 |
| 1965 | 3,914,095 | 41.6 |
| 1970 | 4,508,062 | 47.9 |
| 1975 | 5,317,309 | 56.5 |
| 1980 | 6,132,597 | 65.2 |
| 1985 | 6,969,603 | 74.1 |
| 1990 | 8,934,239 | 95 |
| 1995 | 9,458,378 | 100.5 |
| 2000 | 10,921,949 | 116.1 |
| 2005 | 12,764,414 | 135.7 |
| 2010 | 15,016,095 | 159.6 |
| 2015 | 17,398,794 | 184.9 |
| 2020 | 19,822,929 | 210.7 |
| 2022 | 20,794,353 | 221 |
| 2023 | 21,279,597 | 226.2 |
| 2024 | 21,763,309 | 231.3 |
| 2025 | 22,244,356 | 236.4 |
| 2030 | 24,645,259 | 262 |
| 2035 | 27,022,619 | 287.2 |
| 2040 | 29,367,856 | 312.2 |
| 2045 | 31,661,017 | 336.5 |
| 2050 | 33,877,000 | 360.1 |
| 2055 | 35,988,062 | 382.5 |
| 2060 | 37,972,560 | 403.6 |
| 2065 | 39,804,696 | 423.1 |
| 2070 | 41,458,601 | 440.7 |
| 2075 | 42,906,107 | 456.1 |
| 2080 | 44,119,689 | 469 |
| 2085 | 45,076,697 | 479.1 |
| 2090 | 45,763,394 | 486.4 |
| 2095 | 46,177,966 | 490.8 |
| 2100 | 46,333,448 | 492.5 |
Data from US Census International Database