town, southern Malawi (Malaŵi). At the southwestern foot of Mulanje Peak, it lies on the railway to Blantyre and is the area's commercial centre. The surrounding region borders Mozambique to the south and east and Lake Chilwa to the north. Intensive agriculture produces tea, pineapples, tung, and tobacco, and there is limited softwood afforestation. Industries include canning, tea packing, and tourism. Pop. (1998) 12,548.