Lake Chilwa

Lake Chilwa
seen from space (false color)
Location	Zomba District
Coordinates	15°18′S 35°42′E / 15.3°S 35.7°E / -15.3; 35.7Coordinates: 15°18′S 35°42′E / 15.3°S 35.7°E / -15.3; 35.7
Basin countries	Malawi
Max. length	60 km
Max. width	40 km

Lake Chilwa is the second-largest lake in Malawi after Lake Malawi. It is in eastern Zomba District, near the border with Mozambique. Approximately 60 km long and 40 km wide, the lake is surrounded by extensive wetlands.

335 villages with over 60,000 inhabitants engage in fishing the lake, and pull in over 17,000 metric tons each year, 20% of all the fish caught in Malawi.

The lake has no outlet, and is at risk for drying up if the water in its catchment is diverted for human use. The Danish International Development Agency has been working to ensure preservation of the lake and its wetlands.

There is a large island in the middle of the lake called Chisi Island.