Blantyre, Malawi

Capital City

With a population of 800,264, Blantyre is Malawi's commercial and industrial capital, but the city's bureaucratic headaches and industrial pollution are persistent issues. The country's second-largest city, Blantyre is a transport hub with road, rail, and air links, though the tropical climate brings uncomfortable heat and humidity before the rainy season. While Blantyre's economy is dominated by manufacturing, the informal sector provides employment for around 4,500 people. Those drawn to Blantyre's role as Malawi's financial and economic center may find the heavy bureaucracy and environmental challenges a difficult trade-off.