This book traces the origins and historical background of the Malawi we meet today. Progress, constraints and setbacks in political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the lives of Malawians are captured alongside an analysis of the country's present situation and prospects for the future. Dialogue, and the lack of it, between Malawi and its main development partners is discussed and overall the study highlights the change required in the collaboration between key actors in order for the country to consolidate its achievements and to move towards the new Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 agreed by world leaders.