OANDA uses cookies to make our websites easy to use and customized to our visitors. Cookies cannot be used to identify you personally. By visiting our website you consent to OANDA’s use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy. To block, delete or manage cookies, please visit aboutcookies.org. Restricting cookies will prevent you benefiting from some of the functionality of our website.
Malawi Kwacha
Overview
The Kwacha is the official currency in Malawi since 1970. The Kwacha was adopted based on the Zambian Kwacha, which was used in Zambia since 1968. The name kwacha was derived from the Bemba word meaning dawn, reflecting the Zambian national motto: "New Dawn of Freedom." The Malawian Kwacha is subdivided into 100 tambala.
Economy
- Malawi is considered one of the least developed countries in the world and has had unstable economic growth.
- Malawi's economy is mainly agricultural, with almost 90% of their population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for about 40% of the GDP and 88% of export revenues.
- The economy relies on extensive economic support from the World Bank, the IMF, and neighboring nations.
- The government has had many difficult challenges, including development of a market economy, economic problems, educational improvements, and the exponential spread of AIDS.
History
- In 1971, the Malawi Kwacha replaced the Malawian Pound at a fixed rate of two Kwacha = one Pound.
- And as of July 4, 2010, one British Pound = 227.681 Kwacha, while one US Dollar = 149.8 Kwacha, and one South African Rand = 19.4475 Kwacha.
- In May 9, 2011, an one British Pound = 257.7172 Kwacha, one US Dollar = 152.2933 Kwacha, and one South African Rand = 23.7740 Kwacha.
Symbols and Names
- Symbols: MK
- Nicknames: none
ISO 4217 Code
MWK
Central Bank
Currency Subunits
- Tambala = 1/100 of a Kwacha
Denominations
- Bills: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 kwacha
- Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 tambala. 1, 5, 10 kwacha
Countries Using This Currency
- Malawi
Currencies Pegged To MWK :
None
MWK Is Pegged To:
None