Blantyre is a bustling city in the south of Malawi. It is the country's commercial and financial hub, located in the Shire Highlands of Malawi, with an area of approximately 100 square kilometres. It is Malawis' third-largest city with a population of over 600,000. Blantyre is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. In this article, we will explore the city of Blantyre, its history, its vibrant culture, and what makes it such a great place to live and visit. Get ready to dive into all that Blantyre has to offer!
Getting to Know Blantyre
Blantyre is the largest city and commercial capital of Malawi located in the southeastern region of the country.
As of 2019, the population of the city is estimated to be around 668,348 people. The time zone for Blantyre is Central African Time (CAT) which is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).
English is the official language of Malawi and is widely spoken in Blantyre. Various other languages such as Chichewa, Tumbuka, Yao, and Lomwe are also spoken in the city.
The official currency of Malawi is the Malawian Kwacha (MWK), which is the legal tender throughout the country.
Climate and Weather
, Malawi
Blantyre is one of the major cities in Malawi and is known for its hot, rainy climate. The average temperature in Blantyre is around 22-26C (71-78F) throughout the year, with average highs during the hot rainy season (November to April) of around 29-30C (85-87F). During this time, rainfall is frequent and the area can get very humid.
The cold dry season (May to October) is much cooler with temperatures falling to around 15-19C (59-66F), and much lighter rainfall. During these months, the days can be breezy but quite mild and sunny.
Overall, Blantyre enjoys a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and relatively cool, dry winters. It also has heavy rainfall as part of its seasonal cycles and as such is a great place to enjoy tropical adventures and outdoor activities.
Touring Blantyre: Airport and Transportation
There is only one airport in Blantyre, officially known as Chileka International Airport. You can get from the airport to downtown Blantyre by taxi. The fare will depend on the destination and the distance, but it generally costs around K60,000 to K100,000 ($85 - $140). There is no money changing facility at Blantyre airport.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Blantyre
- Blantyre has a rich cultural heritage, with many architectural landmarks, and monuments including Limbe Cathedral, the White Building and John Chilembwe Memorial
- Blantyre is the birthplace of Malawi's democracy movements, with a history that dates back to the establishment of the British Chartered Company in 1891.
- The city is also an important spiritual centre, with numerous Hindu temples and an Islamic mosque located in the heart of the city