Overview
Kenya, officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country located in East Africa. It 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. The capital and largest city of Kenya is Nairobi. Kenya is a member of the Commonwealth and has a population of over 47.6 million people. The country is known for its scenic landscapes, vast wildlife preserves, and diverse culture.
Kenya’s terrain rises from a low coastal plain on the Indian Ocean to mountains and plateaus at its center. Most Kenyans live in the highlands, where Nairobi, the capital, sits at an altitude of 5,500 feet (1,700 meters). The official languages spoken in Kenya are Swahili and English. The country has a diverse ethnic makeup with various tribes such as Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin, Luo, Kamba, Somali, Kisii, Mijikenda, Meru, and others.
Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom on December 12, 1963. It is a unitary presidential republic with a government led by President William Ruto. The economy of Kenya is one of the largest in sub-Saharan Africa and is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
