Nkhata Bay Population 2026
Nkhata Bay has a population of 16,099, making it the #23 biggest city in 🇲🇼 Malawi, located in Northern Region. Roughly 0.1% of Malawi's population lives here. It is about 69× smaller than Lilongwe, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
16,099
Rank in Malawi
#23
Coordinates
11.61°S, 34.29°E
~547 m elevation · Africa/Blantyre
Distance to capital (Lilongwe)
268 km
166 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Northern Region
Cities near Nkhata Bay
FAQ
What is the population of Nkhata Bay?
Nkhata Bay has a population of 16,099 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #23 biggest city in Malawi.
What region is Nkhata Bay in?
Nkhata Bay is located in Northern Region, Malawi.
Is Nkhata Bay the capital of Malawi?
No, the capital of Malawi is Lilongwe, about 268 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.