Kenya

East Africa

Kenya is a country in East Africa, home to 56.4 million people, with an area of 580,367 km². Its capital is Nairobi.

Capital: Nairobi
Population: 56.4 million
Area: 580,367 km²
Region: East Africa
Density: 97.2 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Kenya · East Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Kenya is known for

Kenya is best known for Masai Mara National Reserve, Mount Kenya and Lamu Island.

Kenya is a country located in East Africa, bordered by Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast. The capital city is Nairobi.

Kenya at a glance

Language: Swahili and English are the official languages, with numerous indigenous languages also spoken
Currency: Kenyan shilling (KES)
Religion: Christianity is the predominant religion in Kenya, but Islam and traditional religions are also practiced
National dish: Ugali (a cornmeal-based dish) served with various stews and vegetables
Climate: Kenya has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The coast is hot and humid, while the highlands are cooler
Main industries: Agriculture, including tea and coffee production; tourism; manufacturing, including textiles, food processing, and chemicals; and mining, including soda ash and fluorspar
GDP: $109.4 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Kenya is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 147 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Kenya

Some of the main tourist attractions in Kenya include:

Masai Mara National Reserve a wildlife reserve known for its annual wildebeest migration and big game animals such as lions, elephants, and cheetahs.
Mount Kenya the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, with snow-capped peaks and scenic hiking trails.
Lamu Island a historic island on the Indian Ocean known for its Swahili architecture and cultural heritage.
Lake Nakuru National Park a national park located in the Great Rift Valley that is famous for its flamingo populations and diverse birdlife.
Tsavo National Park one of the largest game reserves in the world, known for its large elephant herds and other wildlife.
Nairobi National Museum a museum in Nairobi that contains exhibits on Kenya's history, culture, and natural heritage.
Diani Beach a popular beach destination on the Indian Ocean, known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
Samburu National Reserve a wildlife reserve in northern Kenya known for its unique animal species, such as the reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra.
Hell's Gate National Park a national park located in the Great Rift Valley known for its dramatic scenery and opportunities for hiking and rock climbing.
Fort Jesus a historic fort in Mombasa built by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Kenya has to offer. The country is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art.