03--Africa--Kenya

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=Geographical Profile/ Political Information=


 * Relative Location** - Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania


 * Absolute Location** - 1 00 N, 38 00 E


 * Distance and direction from Lancaster, PA –**


 * Size** – Total area of 582,650 square kilometers (224,962 square miles), slightly more than twice the size of Nevada,


 * Climate** – varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior


 * Major Physical features** – The Kenyan coast is a low-lying area, which is extremely fertile. It has a coral reef and is supported by a dry coastal plain that is covered by thorny bushes and savanna. In general one can say that the country stretches from the sea level in the east to the snow capped mountain in the north. The terrain of the country gradually changes from the low-lying coastal plains to the Kenyan highlands. The highest point of the country lies in Mount Kenya, which is 5,199 meters high. Apart from this, the other mountain ranges that one can find over here include Mount Elgon and Mount Kilimanjaro. The rivers Tana and Athi flows in the southeastern part of the country while Nzoia, Yala and Gori, flows across the country before draining into Lake Victoria. Another major river of the county is the Ewaso Ngiro, found in the northeastern part of the country.


 * Major Cultural characteristics** – Four major groups: Bantu, Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, and Cushitic, art, weaving, basketry, carvings, and sculpture. jewelry includes beadwork, ostrich eggshell necklaces, bangles, and copper or iron bracelets. Paintings, batiks, and lithographs by African and Western artists are exhibited in business places, galleries, and public buildings in Nairobi; and an art museum has been established in that city. Corn (or maize) is the staple food of Kenyans. potatoes, and vegetables, to make a dish called //irio.// Another popular meal is a beef stew called //ugali.// and other vegetables Major Cities – Nairobi (capital), Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu


 * Type of Government** – Republic


 * Head of State and Head of Government** – President Mwai KIBAKI
 * Global organizations** – World Health Organization, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and others. Kenya Antirape Organization, the Legal Advice Center, and the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission. Kenya is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Organization of African Unity.





= Economic Information = = =
 * Currency ** – Shilling, 78.042 per U.S. dollar


 * GDP ** - 1.8%

**GDP per capita** - $1,600


 * Natural resources ** - Limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower


 * Agricultural Products ** - tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables; dairy products, beef, pork, poultry, eggs


 * Industries ** - small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, clothing, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products, horticulture, oil refining; aluminum, steel, lead; cement, commercial ship repair, tourism


 * Imports ** - $9.031 billion, UAE 11.9%, India 11.8%, China 10.3%, Saudi Arabia 8.3%, South Africa 5.9%, Japan 5.3%, US 4%


 * Exports ** - $4.479 billion, UK 10.2%, Netherlands 9.4%, Uganda 9.1%, Tanzania 8.9%, US 6.4%, Pakistan 5.7%


 * Unemployment ** - 40%

=** Population Information **=

**Current population** – 39,002,772


 * Population Density ** – 50. 6 persons per square kilometers

**Age distribution** – 0-14 years: 50%,15-59 years: 46%, 60+ years


 * (NRI ) ** – 25.88


 * How long for population to double size and how it compares to other countries in region ** – 28 years with 4% growth rate

**Literacy rate** – 85.1%, male: 90.6%, female: 79.7%


 * Infant mortality rate ** – 54.7 deaths/1,000 live births
 * Life expectancy at age 1** – 57.86 years


 * PQLI ** – 63.8


 * Ethnic groups ** – Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1%
 * Main language ** - English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages

=**Human Rights**= Unlawful killings by police

Police beatings and torture of detainees

Impunity

Harsh and life threatening prison conditions

Arbitrary arrest and detention

Use of excessive force

Prolonged pretrial detention,

Executive interference in the judiciary

Restrictions on freedom of speech

The press, and assembly

Government corruption

Abuse of and discrimination against women

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

Child prostitution and labor

Trafficking of persons

Vigilante justice and inter-ethnic violence

Lack of enforcement of workers' rights

Like in many third world countries, women are to clean up and do all the house work and make sure everything is taken care of for the family. The men even as boys are given opportunities for school and are tended to by teachers as where the girls do not get the necessary attention to help expand their knowledge. They are taken away from a chance at life and are the typical life routes of women.

= = = ** Environmental issues ** = Water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching



= = = Decision Statement = The decision was based on the different aspects that eah country brought to the table. Looking through all imporatant categories, it was shown that Sudan may be the best decision. Their industries with products like oil, cement, and the many agricultural products can be a big help to its society. The unemployment rate is nearly half of what the rest of the countries are at 18.7%. Its population density ranks 29th in comparison to the other countries. Although it may deal with many human rights issues, it is not as severe as many of the countries in Africa. its large and vast size allows for a large population to be distributed. Sudan deals with issues of water is pollutionalong the coast and the rate of global warming becoming more effected as the years pass. Overall, the country as itself, is best out of Kenya, Botswanna, and Egypt. Its natural resources and population density, allows for a strong chance of survival compared to the other three countries. = = = Citation =

CIA World factbook

Grolier Online - Lands and People

Culturegrams [|http://www.kenya-advisor.com] [|http://kenyastockholm.files.wordpress.com]