The flag of the Malawi Congress Party was striped black for the African people, red for the blood of martyrs, and green for the vegetation and climate. The country's name means "flaming waters," referring to the setting sun on Lake Malawi. With independence on July 6, 1964, a new flag was created by adding the sun symbol to the party flag.

Malawi Official name: Republic of Malawi. Form of government: multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [177]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 9,840,000. Population projection: (2000) 10,154,000; (2010) 11,330,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 17.1 (world avg. 15.7). Land use (1994): forested 39.3%; meadows and pastures 19.6%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 18.1%; other 23.0%. Gross national product (1996): U.S.$1,832,000,000 (U.S.$180 per capita).

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