Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE CHEWA
The Chewa are the largest ethnic group in Malawi. During the first millennium AD, they migrated through Zam-
bia and then on to central Malawi, conquering local tribes as they went and eventually establishing a powerful
kingdom in 1480 that covered southern Malawi as well as swaths of Mozambique and Zambia. During the 17th
century, Malawi experienced an influx of diverse cultures and dynasties, but the Chewa kept their ethnicity dis-
tinct through language, tattoos and secret societies.
The Chewa believe that god (Chiuta or Chautu) created all living things during a thunderstorm, at a mountain
range that straddles the Malawi and Mozambique border. They also believe that contact between spirits and the
living is achieved through a dance called
Gule Wamkulu
. Today, however, Chewa culture is a mixture of tradi-
tional beliefs and European influences; although Christianity is the dominant religion, it's common practice to
consult a witch doctor in times of trouble.
To really experience Chewa culture, it's best to immerse yourself in a village. There is a cultural village offer-
ing overnight stays (
Click here
)
near Liwonde National Park.
Malawi Way of Life
Population
Although Malawi might be made up of a patchwork of different tribes, there is one com-
monality that has earned the country the enviable moniker 'The Warm Heart of Africa':
Malawians are super friendly - perhaps the friendliest folk of the whole African continent.
Malawi's main ethnic groups are the Chewa, dominant in the central and southern parts
of the country, the Yao in the south, and the Tumbuka in the north. Other groups include
the Ngoni (also spelled Angoni), inhabiting parts of the central and northern provinces,
the Chipoka (or Phoka) in the central area, the Lambya and the Ngonde (also called the
Nyakyusa) in the northern region, and the Tonga, mostly along the lake shore.
There are small populations of Asian and European people living mainly in the cities
and involved in commerce, farming (mainly tea plantations) or tourism.
Malawi's small Indian population first came to the country when they were brought in
by the British in the early 1900s to help construct a railway line between Malawi and
Mozambique. During the Banda regime they were not allowed to participate in politics
and certain sections of the economic sector, and many were forced to leave the country.
Most expats in Malawi are here on a short-term basis and involved in business, aid or
the diplomatic service.
