[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]Kenya is officially known as the Republic of Kenya, an African country and a founding member of the East African Community (EAC). Today I bring to you highlights of some interesting, informative, and educative facts about Kenya. The Great Rift Valley, which crosses several East African countries, is an intra-continental ridge system that runs through Kenya from north to south and it is said that the earliest evidence of human being was found there. This forms an important site for the study of human evolution.[/dropcap]
Facts
The capital of Kenya is Nairobi; known as the ‘Safari Capital of the World’.
Kenya is located in East Africa, on the equator.
Kenya is the 49th largest country in the world.
Kenya was named after Mount Kenya from the Kikuyu name Kere-Nyaga (“Mountain of Whiteness”) the tallest mountain in the country (5,199 metres, 17,057 feet).
Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano, where glaciers have tumbled over the ancient lava and the peaks are snow capped
Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa.
The capital and largest city is Nairobi. Mombasa is the second largest city.
Kenya has land borders with 5 other countries. They are: Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Kenya borders on to the big Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean.
Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1963.
Kenya shares Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake and world’s second largest freshwater lake by surface area with Tanzania and Uganda.
The last time a volcano erupted in Kenya was 1922.
The two official languages of Kenya are Kiswahili and English.
Kenya counts 56 national parks and reserves and is home to some of the worlds most ancient and most threatened creatures.
The main religion is Christianity (Catholic), Protestant and Hindu. 82% of people are Christian.
The money used in Kenya is called the Kenya shillings.
Hydroelectricity is the largest contributor to Kenya’s electricity supply.
In Kenya they drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Life expectancy of Kenyans; men: 57 years , women: 59 years (UN).
Internet domain .ke and international dialing code +254
In terms of sports, Kenya is perhaps best known for its middle distance and long distance runners, with the country frequently producing Olympic champions.
Sources:
http://www.3dgeography.co.uk/#!facts-about-kenya/c14vh
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/countries/kenya.html
