Kenya – Key Facts
General Information
- Official Name: Republic of Kenya
- Capital City: Nairobi
- Population: Approximately 53 million
- Area: 580,367 km²
- Official Language(s): English, Swahili
- Currency: Kenyan Shilling
- Currency Code: KES
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT)
- Dialing Code: +254
Government
- Head of State: William Ruto (President)
- Head of Government: William Ruto (President)
- Government Type: Republic
- Independence Day: December 12th, 1963
- National Anthem: “Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu”
Geography
- Continent: Africa
- Borders with: Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan
- Notable Landmarks: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Victoria
- Major Rivers/Waterways: Nile River (through Sudan), Tana River
- Highest Point: Mount Kenya (5,199 meters)
- Largest City: Nairobi
Economy
- GDP (nominal): $95.5 billion (2022)
- Main Industries: Agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, technology
- Major Exports: Tea, coffee, flowers, horticultural products
- Unemployment Rate: 7.4%
- Currency Exchange Rate (to USD): 1 USD = 150 KES (approx.)
Culture and Society
- National Religion(s): Christianity (majority), Islam (minority)
- Famous Festivals: Mombasa Carnival, Lamu Cultural Festival
- National Symbols:
- Flag: Green, red, black, and white with a shield and spears
- National Animal: African Lion
- National Flower: Orchid
History
- Colonial History: British colonial rule from 1895 to 1963
- Independence: Gained independence on December 12, 1963, under Jomo Kenyatta
- Historical Events: Mau Mau Uprising (1952-1960), establishment of multi-party politics (1991)
Miscellaneous
- Internet Country Code: .ke
- Popular Sports: Football (soccer), rugby, athletics (track and field)
- Famous People: Jomo Kenyatta (first president), Lupita Nyong’o (Oscar-winning actress)
- UN Member: Yes, since December 16, 1963
