Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya (Swahili: Jamhuri ya Kenya), is a country in East Africa. A member of the African Union with a population of more than 47.6 million in the 2019 census, Kenya is the 28th most populous country in the world and 7th most populous in Africa. Kenya’s capital and largest city is Nairobi, while its oldest and second largest city, is the major port city of Mombasa, situated on Mombasa Island in the Indian Ocean and the surrounding mainland. Mombasa was the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate, which included most of what is now Kenya and southwestern Somalia, from 1889 to 1907. Other important cities include Kisumu and Nakuru. Kenya is bordered by South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast. Kenya’s geography, climate and population vary widely, ranging from cold snow-capped mountaintops (Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana on Mount Kenya) with vast surrounding forests, wildlife and fertile agricultural regions to temperate climates in western and rift valley counties and further on to dry less fertile arid and semi-arid areas and absolute deserts (Chalbi Desert and Nyiri Desert).
Kenya is a country located in East Africa, known for its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. Here are some key points about Kenya:
**Geography**: Kenya is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the southeast, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, and Somalia to the east. It features various landscapes, including savannas, mountains, and lakes.
**Wildlife and National Parks**: Kenya is famous for its national parks and reserves, such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Lake Nakuru. These areas are home to an abundance of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).
**Culture**: The country is home to more than 40 ethnic groups, each with its own languages, traditions, and customs. The largest ethnic groups include the Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, Maasai, and others. Swahili and English are the official languages.
**Economy**: Kenya has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and services. Agriculture plays a vital role, with key exports including tea, coffee, and horticultural products.
**Tourism**: Kenya is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year for its wildlife safaris, beaches, and rich cultural experiences. Events like the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara draw tourists from around the world.
**History**: Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule on December 12, 1963. Jomo Kenyatta became the first president of the Republic of Kenya.