Lake Malawi

African Great Lake

Lake Malawi (or Lake Nyasa, Lake Niassa) is a lake in Africa. It is the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. It is shared between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. Before Malawi became independent in 1964, the territory was called Nyasaland. For this reason, Mozambique and Tanzania call the lake Lake Nyasa.

Lake Malawi
View from orbit
Coordinates12°11′S 34°22′E / 12.183°S 34.367°E / -12.183; 34.367
TypeRift lake
Primary inflowsRuhuhu River
Primary outflowsShire River
Basin countriesMalawi, Mozambique, Tanzania
Max. width75 km
Surface area29,600 km2 (11,400 sq mi)
Average depth292 m
Max. depth706 m
Water volume8,400 km³
Surface elevation500 meters above sea level
IslandsLikoma and Chizumulu islets
Local boat waiting for passengers.

Lake Malawi is the third largest and second deepest lake in Africa. It is the ninth largest lake in the world.