International BusinessChapter 6: Economic and Geographic InfluencesWorld Market Passport
The Environment Located in East Africa, Kenya is bordered by five African nations, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania, as well as the Indian Ocean to the east. Climate varies, from tropical along the coast to an arid interior. Kenya's size is slightly more than twice that of the state of Nevada in the United States, while its geographical features include the Kenyan Highlands. The highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in all of Africa. Glaciers can be found atop Africa's second highest peak, Mount Kenya, yet the country's unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife, with a fertile plateau in the westernmost regions. History While fossils found in the region show evidence of proto-humans from some 20 million years ago, more recent history reveals that Cushitic-speaking people moved from the northern part of the continent around 2000 BC. Arab traders began visiting the area in the first century, which led to Arab and Persian settlements. In 1498, the Portuguese arrived, and in the 1600s, Kenya gave way to Islamic control under the Imam of Oman. In the 19th century, the United Kingdom established its influence, opening the fertile highlands to white settlers. Made a colony of the U.K. in 1920, native Africans were not allowed to participate in many matters, including political, until 1944. An uprising in 1952 forced the British Colonists to allow Africans more say in government matters. Kenya became independent in 1963. Culture and People The people of Kenya are made up of many African ethnic groups, as well as a few non-African, mainly Asian, European, and Arab. While there are two official languages, English and Kiswahili, a number of indigenous languages are spoken throughout the country. With a population of just over 34 million, this is a nation affected by AIDS, which has lowered life expectancy and raised infant mortality and death rates. In the capital of Nairobi, life can be very contemporary, however travel outside of the city offers a variety of traditional African life styles. Click to hear the music of Kenya.
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