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Overview of Kenya for Travelers
by: Richard Monk
Kenya is stunningly beautiful African country that has seen its
share of good and bad times. If you are traveling to Kenya, the
following information will give you a head start.
An Overview of Kenya for Travelers
Kenya is a crossroads country in Africa, which means a little bit
of various African countries reside there. More than 40 languages
are spoken and as many as eleven different ethnic groups can be
identified. The religious breakdown is also very diverse. Despite
this variety, the country has a fairly harmonious existence. The
national slogan is harambee which loosely translates to lets pull
together.
Compared to other sub-Saharan countries, Kenya has historically
been advanced in infrastructure and general living standards. During
the colonial period, England controlled the country and developed
the area. Kenyans were not allowed to participate in government,
much like South Africa. As you might expect, Kenyans rebelled and
eventually became independent on December 12, 1963. The Kenya Peoples
Union then became the only political party and ruled until 2002.
In October 2002, the National Rainbow Coalition dominated elections.
Following independence, Kenya continued to grow economically and
the standard of living was the envy of much of Africa. Unfortunately,
corruption threw a wrench in the proceedings the country has suffered
from a lurching economy for the last 15 years. In 2003, the country
turned things around and things have generally improved since then.
Kenya covers 224,960 square miles and is slightly smaller than
Texas. The capital is Nairobi. Kenya rises from a low coastal plain
on the Indian Ocean in a series of mountain ridges and plateaus
which stand above 9,000 feet in the center of the country. The Rift
Valley bisects the country above Nairobi, opening up to a broad
arid plain in the north. Mountain plains cover the south before
descending to the shores of Lake Victoria in the west. The climate
varies from the tropical south, west, and central regions to arid
and semi-arid in the north and the northeast.
The people of Kenya are known as Kenyans. Total population
is 30 million and growing at 1.7 percent a year. Ethnic groups break
down as Kikuyu 21 percent Luhya 14 percent, Luo 13 percent, Kalenjin
11 percent, Kamba 11 percent, Kisii 6 percent, Meru 5 percent. Religious
break down is Indigenous beliefs 10 percent, Protestant 40 percent,
Roman Catholic 30 percent, Muslim 20 percent. Languages include
English, Swahili, and more than 40 local ethnic languages. The literacy
rate is 65 percent and life expectancy is 49 years of age.
As this brief overview reveals, the country suffers the economic
problems of many countries in Africa. That being said, it is beautiful
place that will hopefully overcome such hurdles. It is definitely
a place you will remember visiting
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