Kenya, East African country at the equator with access to Indian Ocean
Kenya is an East African country at the equator with access to the Indian Ocean, stretching from tropical beaches across wide grasslands to high mountains and lake regions. The terrain ranges from sea level to Mount Kenya at 5,199 meters, while the Great Rift Valley runs through the country from north to south forming volcanic formations and several lakes.
Arab merchants established trading posts along the coast from the 8th century, which grew into city-states such as Mombasa and Malindi. British colonial rule began in 1895 and ended in 1963 with independence under the leadership of Jomo Kenyatta.
The language Kiswahili emerged from trade between Bantu peoples and Arab merchants at the coast. More than forty communities speak distinct languages, while blacksmiths, herders and fishermen continue traditional skills passed through generations and maintain their customs in rural regions.
Nairobi has an international airport with connections to all continents, while several land border crossings allow entry from neighboring countries. Travelers should consider yellow fever vaccination and malaria prophylaxis for coastal and lowland areas.
The area around Iten at 2,400 meters elevation serves as training ground for long-distance runners from the Kalenjin community who regularly dominate international competitions. Athletes run there in the mornings on dirt paths through hills, and many Olympic champions come from this small region.
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