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Kenya is widely known for its diverse wildlife and large number of national parks and reserves. From the tropical shores of Lake Victoria to the wide plateaus in the east to the tumbled land of the Great Rift Valley and busy coastland, it is a land of many contrasts. Its rich traditional culture and varied terrain make it a favourite tourist destination.

The quickly growing population of Kenya has been matched by robust but vulnerable economic growth, although most people still work in agriculture. Coffee and tea are two of the most important cash crops, and much of the land is used for herding grazing animals that share it with such famous inhabitants as lions, zebras, and elephants. Kenya's many different ethnic groups, such as the Masai, Lao and Kikuyu are widely known around the world, thanks largely to international curiosity and the pride of the local inhabitants for their people and cultures.

Before the coming of the Europeans, Kenya was peopled by waves of cattle-herding African clans. The coastal areas were also home to Arab traders until they were displaced by the Portuguese. Masai and Kikuyu peoples gradually expanded their territories into central Kenya until the British took control in 1895. During World War I, Kenya served as a British base of operations against the Germans in East Africa. Following the Mau Mau rebellion of the early 1950s, Kenya became independent in 1963. Self-rule since then has been largely moderate and peaceful. A disputed election in 2007 caused widespread unrest, and in 2010 a new constitution was adopted.