Zomba, located in the Shire Highlands of southern Malawi, was the country's former capital and remains a significant historical and cultural hub. It served as the capital under British Central Africa, Nyasaland Protectorate, and as independent Malawi's capital from 1964 to 1974. The city is known for its colonial-era architecture and its proximity to the Zomba Plateau, which offers activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and mountain biking. Zomba is also home to the University of Malawi's Chancellor College. The town's economy is driven by agriculture, including tobacco and dairy farming, and it features a market where local goods, including fish from nearby lakes, are sold. Zomba's tourism industry is centered around the plateau and its surrounding natural attractions.