Geography of Kenya

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Image:Kenya Map.png

This article describes the geography of Kenya.

Location
Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania
Geographic coordinates
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Map references
Africa
Area
  • Total: 582,650 km²
  • Land: 569,250 km²
  • Water: 13,400 km²
Land boundaries
Coastline
536 km
Maritime claims
  • Continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  • Territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate
Varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior
Terrain
Low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile plateau in west
Elevation extremes
Natural resources
Gold, limestone, soda ash, salt barites, rubies, fluorspar, garnets, wildlife, hydropower
Land use
  • Arable land: 7%
  • Permanent crops: 1%
  • Permanent pastures: 37%
  • Forests and woodland: 30%
  • Other: 25% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land
660 km² (1993 est.)
Natural hazards
Recurring drought in northern and eastern regions; flooding during rainy seasons
Environment--current issues
See also main article on Environmental issues in Kenya
Water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching
Environment--international agreements
Geography--note
The Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers on Mt. Kenya; unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value

See also

Template:Africa in topices:Geografía de Kenia pt:Geografia do Quénia