Language data for Malawi

Malawi is a multilingual country. Although English is the official language, the 2008 Census reports that only 26 percent of the population above the age of 14 is able to speak English. Other major languages spoken in Malawi include: Chewa, Yao, Tonga, Sena, and Elomwe. The maps, documents, and datasets below provide information about languages spoken throughout the country.

Static language map of Malawi

Other sources of language data

Wikipedia

Glottolog

Language data allows humanitarian organizations to better understand the languages people speak and understand, leading to better programming and accountability. We’re working with University College London’s Centre for Translation Studies and others to make language data more easily accessible and usable.

For more information, contact info@clearglobal.org.

Maps and resources:

Static map highlighting the most common languages spoken in Malawi. Data is from the 1998 census.

Static map highlighting the most common languages spoken in Guinea. Data is from the 2014 census.