It is the southernmost location in the country, serving as a border post[2] for road and rail control between Malawi and Mozambique.

[3][4] The Mozambican town of Vila Nova de Fronteira is conurbed with Marka.

Before 2010, transportation to the lower shire district was difficult especially during rainy season.

The railway through Marka that connects Nsanje and Blantyre with Beira was severely disrupted by the Mozambique Civil War and remains closed.

In the late 1990's, part of the railway was damaged at Chiromo bridge near Bangula.