> Home > Countries > Kenya > About Kenya

Information on Kenya

Most of the pictures you have seen of Africa, the extensive grasslands interspersed with acacia trees, the wildlife and the Maasai, were most likely taken in Kenya. Situated in East Africa, Kenya is the key player in economics in the East and Central Africa region. It is in many ways one of the most splendid countries in the continent of Africa.

Kenya is well known for its game parks, wildlife safaris, archeological sites and international award-winning athletes. These attractions aside, Kenya has a rich cultural, ethnic and religious diversity with more than 42 major ethnic communities.

Kenya has an average annual per capita income (purchasing power) of 1600 USD. Most Kenyans have low income and live in rural areas. Both English and Swahili (or Kiswahili as it is called in East Africa) are official languages in Kenya.

Geographical Diversity

Although the size of Kenya is only about 583,000 sq kilometers (225,000 sq miles), over 80% of the country is arid and semi-arid. The country’ geographical diversity is amazing ranging from the snow capped peaks of Mount Kenya and the surprisingly cool Central highlands to the Great Rift Valley plains with their multiple lakes, the landscape is dazzling.

Additionally, the low lying plains adjacent to Lake Victoria, the worlds second largest fresh water body, and the seemingly unending plains of Amboseli and Tsavo national parks and Maasai Mara game reserve National Parks that abound with wildlife, make the country’s landscape most fascinating. The International Volunteer Travel is proud to offer placement in this pristine destination that is really the classical Safari country. Overseas volunteers and interns abroad will find time in Kenya a most worthy experience.