The flag of Malaŵi. Officially the Republic of Malawi, the African nation was formerly known as Nyasaland. It has an estimated population of 19,431,566 (as of January 2021). The name Malawi comes from the Maravi, an old name for the Chewa people who inhabit the area. The country is nicknamed “The Warm Heart of Africa” because of the friendliness of its people.