Mzuzu Population 2026
Mzuzu has a population of 249,564, making it the #3 biggest city in 🇲🇼 Malawi, located in Northern Region. Roughly 1.1% of Malawi's population lives here. It is about 4.5× smaller than Lilongwe, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
249,564
Rank in Malawi
#3
Coordinates
11.47°S, 34.02°E
~1,275 m elevation · Africa/Blantyre
Distance to capital (Lilongwe)
279 km
173 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Northern Region
| City | Population | Rank in Malawi |
|---|---|---|
| Karonga | 69,486 | #5 |
| Mzimba | 29,432 | #15 |
| Rumphi | 25,216 | #17 |
| Chitipa | 20,011 | #20 |
| Nkhata Bay | 16,099 | #23 |
Cities near Mzuzu
- Nkhata Bay16,099 people · ~33 km away
- Rumphi25,216 people · ~53 km away
- Mzimba29,432 people · ~67 km away
- Nkhotakota31,974 people · ~165 km away
- Karonga69,486 people · ~171 km away
- Kasungu66,152 people · ~184 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Mzuzu?
Mzuzu has a population of 249,564 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #3 biggest city in Malawi.
What region is Mzuzu in?
Mzuzu is located in Northern Region, Malawi.
Is Mzuzu the capital of Malawi?
No, the capital of Malawi is Lilongwe, about 279 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.