Overview of Kenya

Profile

Kenya, located on the equator, features diverse terrain from white-sand Indian Ocean beaches to the alpine zones of Mount Kenya. Home to some of the world''s largest animal migrations, including the Masai Mara, it boasts numerous national parks and is the birthplace of safari tourism. Capital Nairobi hosts the UN Environment Programme headquarters and is rapidly growing as the ''Silicon Savannah'' for ICT. Agriculture is the mainstay, with tea and flower exports being prominent, and the country serves as the economic hub of the East African Community. With a population exceeding 55 million, over 40 ethnic groups coexist. Official languages are Swahili and English, with diverse cultures and traditions thriving.

Official name: Republic of Kenya
Common name: Kenya
Numeric code: 404
Alpha-3 code: KEN
Alpha-2 code: KE
Population: 55.4 million (2023)
Population density: 94
Primary languages: Swahili, English
Major religions: Christianity, Islam
National anthem: Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu
Calling code: +254
Internet TLD: .ke

History

Gained independence from Britain in 1963 and has maintained a presidential republic since.

Ancient Swahili civilization built by Arab merchants flourished along the coast, and the region became a British colony during the late 19th-century ''Scramble for Africa''. Following the Mau Mau Uprising in the 1950s, Kenya gained self-rule in 1963 and became a republic in 1964. After long-term rule under Kenyatta and Moi, a multiparty system was introduced in 1991, and the country experienced its first change of government in 2002. Overcoming the 2007 election crisis, Kenya enacted a new constitution in 2010 promoting decentralization. It has continued democratic elections, advancing regional stabilization and economic development.

Geography & climate

The Great Rift Valley runs north-south through the country, creating diverse landscapes of highlands, lakes, savannas, and coastal plains.

Tropical savanna climate / Highland temperate climate

Area: Africa / 580367 km²
Capital: Nairobi
Largest city: Nairobi
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha
Bordering countries: Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia

Natural resources

Soda ash, Limestone, Gold, Titanium sand, Silica sand, Fluorite, Geothermal, Wind power, Fertile volcanic soil, Tourism resources, Freshwater lakes, Ocean fisheries

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)

GDP (nominal): 115.98 Billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 339.27 Billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Swahili, English

Time zone: East Africa Time (EAT)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin, Luo, Kamba, Somali, Kisii, Mijikenda, Meru, Maasai

Life expectancy

66

Literacy rate

81.5

National sports

Athletics (long-distance running), Football, Sevens Rugby, Volleyball, Cricket, Field Hockey