At a Glance

Official Name: Republic of Kenya

Continent: Africa

Area: 219,787 square miles (569,250 sq km)

Population: 30,765,916

Capital City: Nairobi

Largest City: Nairobi (1,346,000)

Unit of Money: Kenyan shilling

Major Languages: English and Swahili (both official)

Natural Resources: Gold, limestone, soda ash

The Place

Kenya is a country on the mid-eastern coast of Africa. The eastern part of the country includes a 333-mile-(536-km) long coastline on the Indian Ocean.

Kenya is divided into three main land regions. In the southeast, the coastal area stretches along the Indian Ocean. This narrow strip of land has beaches, mangrove swamps, and lagoons. Some small rain forests cover the area, and coconut palms and cashew trees also grow there. The southern part of the region has fertile farmland. The coastal area is humid all year, and has an average annual temperature of about 80° F (27° C).

The plains account for about three-quarters of Kenya and cover the interior part of the country. Slowly rising from the coast, the land reaches and elevation of about 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above sea level. The area is quite dry, and receives between 10 to 30 inches (25 to 76 cm) of rain each year. The plains have an average annual temperature of about 70° F (21° C).

The highlands are in the southwestern part of the country and cover almost one-quarter of Kenya. This is the largest farming area in the country. The annual temperature is about 67° F (19° C). Mount Kenya, the country's highest point and the continent's second-highest mountain, reaches 17,058 feet (5,199 m) tall.

The People

About 75% of Kenyans live in rural areas. The country's population density is about 130 people per square mile (48 people per sq km). Almost three-quarters of Kenyans live in the fertile highlands. The dry plains are scarcely populated. They are home mostly to nomads and shepherds.

Many of Kenya's rural dwellers are farmers. They raise crops and animals for their own food, and some have extra to sell. Many farmers also have other jobs to earn extra money. Most rural farmers live in mud houses with thatched roofs. Many Kenyans move to cities to find better paying jobs. Some city dwellers work in stores, factories, and businesses. Cities often offer sturdier, more modern houses made out of stone or cement.

The population is made up almost entirely of black Africans, who belong to almost 40 different ethnic groups. Each group has its own language. The Kikuyu, the largest group, make up about 22% of the population. Other large groups include the Kalenjin, Kamba, Luhya, and Luo.

Kenya's population is growing by about 3% each year. Most women have about 5 children. About 45% of the population is under the age of 15. Life expectancy is 44 years.

Education

Although Kenyan children are not required by law to attend school, most at least attend primary school. Only about 25% of secondary school-aged children attend classes. Many Kenyan parents send their children to school with the hope that they will have an easier time finding work with an education.

Government-run schools are free and are located in most parts of the country. In areas with no government schools, harambee—or self help schools—have been set up by private citizens. These schools charge a fee.

Popular Culture/Daily Life

Dancing is very popular in Kenya, and people enjoy both participating in and watching the performances. There are many special dances that are performed at specific occasions, such as funerals, births, and marriages. Ethnic groups sometimes hold dance competitions, and traditional dances are often a part of national celebrations.

Sports are also a favorite pastime in the country. The two most popular sports are soccer and running.