Malawi, with its population of just under 14,000,000, is a small country located in south-east Africa with Zambia to its north-west, Tanzania to its north-east, separated by Africa's third largest lake, Lake Malawi, and Mozambique to its east, south and west again separated by the lake.

The country is set within the Great Rift Valley, with the country's highest point being marked by Mt Mulanje at 10,000ft ~ the peak of Ben Nevis is just 4409 feet above sea level by comparison.

The countryside in Malawi is far from the stereotypical image of a dry, desertified land being in the main a lush, green country with forests, mountains, river valleys as well as highlands and plateaus.

Malawi has three main rivers, the Dwangwa, which flows from the plateau in the north-east of the country for a hundred miles into Lake Malawi; the Shire river which flows for 250 miles through both Malawi and Mozambique originating in Lake Malawi and the South Rukuru river which is the main river in the north of Malawi flowing though the Nyika Plateau.

The weather in Malawi is warm all the year round with a rainy season between December to May, and a dry season from May to December. The climate is best described as sub tropical and the country boasts many different landscapes from an inland lake to forests, mountains and grasslands.

Take a virtual tour of Malawi with this stunning video and take in the countryside and its people. It will make you want to pay Malawi a visit!