Malawi Population: How Many People Live in Malawi?
Historical Population Data (1960-2024)
What is the population of Malawi? The current Malawi population is 21 655 286 people in 2024. Malawi has experienced significant growth in population over the past six decades. From 3 628 134 people in 1960, the population has grown to 21 655 286 in 2023, representing a growth of 18 027 152 people (+496.9%).
The country reached its peak population of 21 655 286 in 2024, after which population levels began to stabilize. This historical data provides valuable insights into Malawi's demographic evolution and long-term population trends.
Current Population (2024)
Population in 1960
Total Growth
Peak Population
📈 Population Trend of Malawi (1960-2024)
This interactive chart visualizes Malawi's population growth over more than six decades, from 1960 to 2024. The trend line shows how the country's total population has changed year by year, making it easy to identify periods of rapid growth, stability, or decline.
Hover over any point on the chart to see the exact population figure for that specific year. The data is sourced from World Bank (updated: 10/7/2025) and provides a comprehensive historical view of demographic changes in Malawi.
📊 Malawi Population by Decade
|
Year
|
Population
|
Change from Previous Decade
|
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 3 628 134 | |
| 1970 | 4 633 944 | +1 005 810 (+27.7%) |
| 1980 | 6 265 529 | +1 631 585 (+35.2%) |
| 1990 | 9 545 852 | +3 280 323 (+52.4%) |
| 2000 | 11 315 942 | +1 770 090 (+18.5%) |
| 2010 | 14 826 463 | +3 510 521 (+31.0%) |
| 2020 | 19 533 888 | +4 707 425 (+31.8%) |
| 2024 | 21 655 286 | +2 121 398 (+10.9%) |
This table presents Malawi's population data at key 10-year intervals, providing a clear overview of long-term demographic trends. Each row shows the population count for a specific decade, along with the absolute and percentage change from the previous data point.
By examining these decade-by-decade changes, you can quickly identify major demographic shifts and understand the overall growth pattern of Malawi without getting into year-by-year details.
📅 Complete Historical Data of Malawi (1960-2024)
|
Year
|
Population
|
Annual Change
|
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 3 628 134 | |
| 1961 | 3 715 534 | +87 400 |
| 1962 | 3 806 307 | +90 773 |
| 1963 | 3 900 506 | +94 199 |
| 1964 | 3 997 305 | +96 799 |
| 1965 | 4 096 157 | +98 852 |
| 1966 | 4 197 926 | +101 769 |
| 1967 | 4 303 012 | +105 086 |
| 1968 | 4 411 054 | +108 042 |
| 1969 | 4 521 184 | +110 130 |
| 1970 | 4 633 944 | +112 760 |
| 1971 | 4 751 434 | +117 490 |
| 1972 | 4 874 475 | +123 041 |
| 1973 | 5 003 938 | +129 463 |
| 1974 | 5 141 337 | +137 399 |
| 1975 | 5 287 367 | +146 030 |
| 1976 | 5 443 384 | +156 017 |
| 1977 | 5 614 983 | +171 599 |
| 1978 | 5 810 132 | +195 149 |
| 1979 | 6 028 749 | +218 617 |
| 1980 | 6 265 529 | +236 780 |
| 1981 | 6 516 454 | +250 925 |
| 1982 | 6 778 879 | +262 425 |
| 1983 | 7 051 709 | +272 830 |
| 1984 | 7 332 810 | +281 101 |
| 1985 | 7 620 508 | +287 698 |
| 1986 | 7 906 480 | +285 972 |
| 1987 | 8 293 174 | +386 694 |
| 1988 | 8 753 262 | +460 088 |
| 1989 | 9 176 220 | +422 958 |
| 1990 | 9 545 852 | +369 632 |
| 1991 | 9 844 227 | +298 375 |
| 1992 | 10 135 079 | +290 852 |
| 1993 | 10 284 024 | +148 945 |
| 1994 | 10 164 894 | -119 130 |
| 1995 | 10 150 117 | -14 777 |
| 1996 | 10 352 228 | +202 111 |
| 1997 | 10 562 035 | +209 807 |
| 1998 | 10 792 876 | +230 841 |
| 1999 | 11 047 804 | +254 928 |
| 2000 | 11 315 942 | +268 138 |
| 2001 | 11 593 058 | +277 116 |
| 2002 | 11 880 440 | +287 382 |
| 2003 | 12 181 574 | +301 134 |
| 2004 | 12 500 737 | +319 163 |
| 2005 | 12 840 031 | +339 294 |
| 2006 | 13 198 701 | +358 670 |
| 2007 | 13 576 343 | +377 642 |
| 2008 | 13 976 417 | +400 074 |
| 2009 | 14 395 788 | +419 371 |
| 2010 | 14 826 463 | +430 675 |
| 2011 | 15 265 022 | +438 559 |
| 2012 | 15 709 577 | +444 555 |
| 2013 | 16 161 816 | +452 239 |
| 2014 | 16 621 538 | +459 722 |
| 2015 | 17 085 587 | +464 049 |
| 2016 | 17 557 739 | +472 152 |
| 2017 | 18 039 715 | +481 976 |
| 2018 | 18 528 081 | +488 366 |
| 2019 | 19 025 752 | +497 671 |
| 2020 | 19 533 888 | +508 136 |
| 2021 | 20 047 258 | +513 370 |
| 2022 | 20 568 728 | +521 470 |
| 2023 | 21 104 482 | +535 754 |
| 2024 | 21 655 286 | +550 804 |
This comprehensive table displays the complete year-by-year population records for Malawi from 1960 to 2024. Each row represents one calendar year, showing the total population and the annual change compared to the previous year.
Use this detailed dataset to analyze short-term population fluctuations, identify specific years with significant changes, or track precise demographic patterns. The sortable columns allow you to organize the data by year, population size, or annual change to suit your research needs. Data source: World Bank (updated: 10/7/2025).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Malawi Population
What is the current population of Malawi?
The population of Malawi is estimated to be approximately 21 655 286 people as of 2024, based on official data from the World Bank.
How fast is the population of Malawi growing?
Malawi has experienced growth with an average annual growth rate of approximately 2.83% per year from 1960 to 2024. The total population has increased by 18 027 152 people (+496.9%) over this 64-year period.
How does Malawi's population compare to other countries?
Malawi ranks #105 in the world by population as of 2024, making it one of the less populous countries globally. With 21 655 286 people, Malawi accounts for approximately 0.02% of the world's total population.
How has the population of Malawi changed over time?
Over the past decades, Malawi's population has increased from 3 628 134 people in 1960 to 21 655 286 in 2024. The country reached its peak population of 21 655 286 in 2024. This growth reflects improvements in healthcare, economic development, and overall quality of life.
What were the population milestones of Malawi?
Malawi achieved several significant demographic milestones throughout its history. The population first reached 3 628 134 in 1960, and grew to its current level of 21 655 286 by 2024. The highest recorded population was 21 655 286 people in 2024, while the lowest in recent history was 3 628 134 in 1960.
What factors influence population growth in Malawi?
Key factors influencing population dynamics in Malawi include birth and death rates, migration patterns, government policies related to family planning and immigration, healthcare infrastructure and life expectancy, economic conditions affecting family size decisions, urbanization trends, and socio-cultural factors. The country's positive population trend over the past 64 years reflects the combined impact of these various demographic drivers.
Where can I find historical population data for Malawi?
This page provides comprehensive historical population data for Malawi from 1960 to 2024, sourced directly from the World Bank's official database. The data includes year-by-year population figures, decade summaries, growth rates, and interactive charts showing long-term demographic trends. This information is updated regularly (last update: 10/7/2025) to ensure accuracy and reliability for research, educational, and analytical purposes.