Country: The Republic of Malawi

Population: 15.6 million (UN, 2010 estimate)

Capital: Lilongwe

Area: 118,484 sq km (45,747 sq miles)

Main languages: English, Chichewa

Main religions: Christianity, Islam

Life expectancy: 47 (WHO, 2009)

Literacy rate: Adult [15+] 74%, Youth [15-24] 86.5% (UNESCO, 2009)

Urban population (% of total): 19% (UN, 2009)

Population under 18 years: 8.1 million (UN, 2009)

Child mortality: 110 children in every 1,000 likely to die before 5 years (WHO, 2009)

Child nutrition: 15.5% of children below 5 years underweight (WHO, 2000-2009)

Number of children (0-17) who have lost one/both parents: 1 million (UNICEF, 2009)