Facts & Figures

Kenya - The Cradle of Civilization

Kenya lies along the East coast of Africa covering an area of 225,000 sq. miles with an estimated population of 30 million. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, tourism comes in as a close second.

Kenya is one of the foremost tourist destinations in Africa. Tourism in Kenya is mainly based on natural attractions which include wildlife in its natural habitats as well as idyllic beaches. Approximately 10% of the country has been set aside for conseration of wildlife and biodiversity. Game viewing is a very popular pursuit since most visitors to Kenya are predominantly interested in seeing "the big five" namely the Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo, and the Leopard; not to mention the other lesser known and unique game that populate Africa's savannas and forests. Kenya registered well over 1,000,000 visitor arrivals in 1997.

Coexisting alongside the incredible natural beauty of this country is also massive poverty. Although many people are rich in land they are often poor in hard cash--the cash needed to pay for healthcare, medicine, clothing, school fees and other basic commodities. The average income of Kenyans is about $360/year. People are drawn to the city from the rural areas in search of employment, but with an unemployment rate of 40+%, they often find themselves in worse conditions.

Despite these economic hardships, Kenyans are a warm and welcoming people. They have a deep sense of family connectedness and value. They respect both their children and elderly. Their hospitality is legendary.

Statistics

Population: 28,808,700

Kenya occupies an area of 225,000 square miles and lies astride the equator.

Age Structure: 43% of Kenya's populate are aged 0-14, 54$ aged 15-64 and 2.7% over 65.

Languages: Kiswahili, English, 42 Tribal languages.

Literacy: Number of people able to read and write over age 14: 78.1%.

Life expectancy: 47.02 years.

Urban-rural distinction: 33% of Kenya's population lives in cities while 67% live in rural areas.

Major Illnesses: Malaria, Typhoid, TB, HIV/AIDS, and various skin infections.

GDP: US $23.9 billion.

Inflation: 4.5%

GDP per capita: US $360

HIV/AIDS: One in eight Kenyans is HIV-positive, 70 people die daily of AIDS, 830 contract the virus daily, 890,000 children between 0 and 14 were orphaned from AIDS in 2001.