Largest Cities in Malawi

Top 33 cities ranked by largest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Malawi

Largest Cities — Malawi

1 Lilongwe C 1,115,815

2 Blantyre S 902,588

3 Mzuzu N 249,564

4 Zomba S 118,440

5 Karonga N 69,486

6 Kasungu C 66,152

7 Mangochi S 60,338

8 Salima C 41,492

9 Liwonde S 41,077

10 Balaka S 40,950

11 Dedza C 34,882

12 Nkhotakota C 31,974

13 Mchinji C 31,592

14 Nsanje S 30,276

15 Mzimba N 29,432

16 Mponela C 27,681

17 Rumphi N 25,216

18 Ntcheu C 23,956

19 Mwanza S 20,345

20 Chitipa N 20,011

21 Monkey Bay S 16,867

22 Mulanje S 16,672

23 Nkhata Bay N 16,099

24 Luchenza S 14,211

25 Chipeni C 10,553

26 Thyolo S 8,845

27 Dowa C 8,047

28 Ngabu S 7,931

29 Ntchisi C 7,918

30 Chipoka C 7,212

31 Phalombe S 7,040

32 Chikwawa S 6,987

33 Livingstonia N 5,552

The largest cities in Malawi represent major centers of economic activity, cultural influence, and population growth. Lilongwe leads with a population of 1,115,815, followed by Blantyre and Mzuzu. These cities serve as hubs for employment, education, and innovation, attracting residents from across the country and around the world.

Population size is a key indicator of a city's economic influence and infrastructure capacity. Larger cities typically offer more diverse job markets, extensive public transit systems, and a wider range of cultural amenities. S dominates the top 10 with 5 cities on the list, reflecting the state's strong economic pull and quality of life.

While large populations bring economic advantages, they also present challenges including higher costs of living, traffic congestion, and housing affordability concerns. Many of these cities have experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by job opportunities in technology, healthcare, and professional services.

Did You Know?

1. Lilongwe's population is larger than that of several U.S. states.
2. S has 5 cities in the top 10, more than any other state.
3. The top 5 cities combined have a population of 2,455,893.

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