About Blantyre City Council

Blantyre City is the oldest urban centre in Malawi and Southern Africa. Founded by Scottish Missionaries in 1870, Blantyre was named after the Scottish town where Dr David Livingstone was born. It was merged with Limbe in 1956, having been incorporated in 1885 as the first Municipality in Central Africa, and declared a City on Independence Day in 1966. The population is approximately One Million by day and Nine Hundred Thousand by night. Covering an area of approximately 250 square kilometres, Blantyre City Council is situated in the Shire Highlands at an altitude of approximately 1150 metres above sea level. The topography is varied, comprising relatively flat areas, undulating terrain, several small hills and streams.