Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi
View from orbit
Coordinates	12°11′S 34°22′E
Type	Rift lake
Primary inflows	Ruhuhu River
Primary outflows	Shire River
Basin countries	Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania
Max. width	75 km
Surface area	29,600 km2 (11,400 sq mi)
Average depth	292 m
Max. depth	706 m
Water volume	8,400 km³
Surface elevation	500 meters above sea level
Islands	Likoma and Chizumulu islets

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.

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.