Topic: Photos of Kenya

Topic: Introduction
Background: Trade centers such as Mombasa have existed along the Kenyan and Tanzanian coastlines, known as the Land of Zanj, since at least the 2nd century. These centers traded with the outside world, including China, India, Indonesia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Persia. By around the 9th century, the mix of Africans, Arabs, and Persians who lived and traded there became known as Swahili ("people of the coast") with a distinct language (KiSwahili) and culture. The Portuguese arrived in the 1490s and, using Mombasa as a base, sought to monopolize trade in the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese were pushed out in the late 1600s by the combined forces of Oman and Pate, an island off the coast. In 1890, Germany and the UK divided up the region, with the UK taking the north and the Germans the south, including present-day Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. The British established the East Africa Protectorate in 1895, which in 1920 was converted into a colony and named Kenya after its highest mountain. Numerous political disputes between the colony and the UK subsequently led to the violent Mau Mau Uprising, which began in 1952, and the eventual declaration of independence in 1963. Jomo KENYATTA, the founding president and an icon of the liberation struggle, led Kenya from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when Vice President Daniel Arap MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982, after which time the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) changed the constitution to make itself the sole legal political party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud. President MOI stepped down in December 2002 following fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA, the son of founding president Jomo KENYATTA, and assumed the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption platform.

KIBAKI's reelection in 2007 resulted in two months of post-election ethnic violence that caused the death of more than 1,100 people and the dislocation of hundreds of thousands. Opposition candidate, Raila ODINGA, accused the government of widespread vote rigging. African Union-sponsored mediation led by former UN Secretary General Kofi ANNAN resulted in a power-sharing accord that brought ODINGA into the government in the restored position of prime minister. The power sharing accord included a broad reform agenda, the centerpiece of which was constitutional reform. In 2010, Kenyans overwhelmingly adopted a new constitution in a national referendum. The new constitution introduced additional checks and balances to executive power and devolved power and resources to 47 newly created counties. It also eliminated the position of prime minister. Uhuru KENYATTA won the first presidential election under the new constitution in March 2013. KENYATTA won a second and final term in office in November 2017 following a contentious, repeat election.Trade centers such as Mombasa have existed along the Kenyan and Tanzanian coastlines, known as the Land of Zanj, since at least the 2nd century. These centers traded with the outside world, including China, India, Indonesia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Persia. By around the 9th century, the mix of Africans, Arabs, and Persians who lived and traded there became known as Swahili ("people of the coast") with a distinct language (KiSwahili) and culture. The Portuguese arrived in the 1490s and, using Mombasa as a base, sought to monopolize trade in the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese were pushed out in the late 1600s by the combined forces of Oman and Pate, an island off the coast. In 1890, Germany and the UK divided up the region, with the UK taking the north and the Germans the south, including present-day Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. The British established the East Africa Protectorate in 1895, which in 1920 was converted into a colony and named Kenya after its highest mountain. Numerous political disputes between the colony and the UK subsequently led to the violent Mau Mau Uprising, which began in 1952, and the eventual declaration of independence in 1963.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania
Geographic coordinates: 1 00 N, 38 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area: total: 580,367 sq km

land: 569,140 sq km

water: 11,227 sq km
Area - comparative: five times the size of Ohio; slightly more than twice the size of Nevada
Land boundaries: total: 3,457 km

border countries (5): Ethiopia 867 km; Somalia 684 km; South Sudan 317 km; Tanzania 775 km; Uganda 814 km
Coastline: 536 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
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: highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 762 m
Natural resources: limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower
Land use: agricultural land: 48.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 9.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.9% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 37.4% (2018 est.)

forest: 6.1% (2018 est.)

other: 45.8% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 1,030 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Victoria (shared with Tanzania and Uganda) - 62,940 sq km

Salt water lake(s): Lake Turkana (shared with Ethiopia) - 6,400 sq km
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km)
Major aquifers: Ogaden-Juba Basin
Population distribution: population heavily concentrated in the west along the shore of Lake Victoria; other areas of high density include the capital of Nairobi, and in the southeast along the Indian Ocean coast as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards: recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasonsvolcanism: limited volcanic activity; the Barrier (1,032 m) last erupted in 1921; South Island is the only other historically active volcanorecurring drought; flooding during rainy seasonsvolcanism: limited volcanic activity; the Barrier (1,032 m) last erupted in 1921; South Island is the only other historically active volcano
Geography - note: the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value; Lake Victoria, the world's largest tropical lake and the second largest fresh water lake, is shared among three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
Map description: Kenya map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Indian Ocean.Kenya map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Indian Ocean.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 55,864,655 (2022 est.)

note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic
Nationality: noun: Kenyan(s)

adjective: Kenyan
Ethnic groups: Kikuyu 17.1%, Luhya 14.3%, Kalenjin 13.4%, Luo 10.7%, Kamba 9.8%, Somali 5.8%, Kisii 5.7%, Mijikenda 5.2%, Meru 4.2%, Maasai 2.5%, Turkana 2.1%, non-Kenyan 1%, other 8.2% (2019 est.)
Languages: English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages

major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)

The World Factbook, Chanzo cha Lazima Kuhusu Habari ya Msingi. (Kiswahili)
Religions: Christian 85.5% (Protestant 33.4%, Catholic 20.6%, Evangelical 20.4%, African Instituted Churches 7%, other Christian 4.1%), Muslim 10.9%, other 1.8%, none 1.6%, don't know/no answer 0.2% (2019 est.)
Demographic profile: Kenya has experienced dramatic population growth since the mid-20th century as a result of its high birth rate and its declining mortality rate. More than 40% of Kenyans are under the age of 15 because of sustained high fertility, early marriage and childbearing, and an unmet need for family planning. Kenya’s persistent rapid population growth strains the labor market, social services, arable land, and natural resources. Although Kenya in 1967 was the first Sub-Saharan country to launch a nationwide family planning program, progress in reducing the birth rate has largely stalled since the late 1990s, when the government decreased its support for family planning to focus on the HIV epidemic. Government commitment and international technical support spurred Kenyan contraceptive use, decreasing the fertility rate (children per woman) from about 8 in the late 1970s to less than 5 children twenty years later, but it has plateaued at just over 3 children today.Kenya is a source of emigrants and a host country for refugees. In the 1960s and 1970s, Kenyans pursued higher education in the UK because of colonial ties, but as British immigration rules tightened, the US, the then Soviet Union, and Canada became attractive study destinations. Kenya’s stagnant economy and political problems during the 1980s and 1990s led to an outpouring of Kenyan students and professionals seeking permanent opportunities in the West and southern Africa. Nevertheless, Kenya’s relative stability since its independence in 1963 has attracted hundreds of thousands of refugees escaping violent conflicts in neighboring countries; Kenya shelters more than 300,000 Somali refugees as of April 2017.Kenya has experienced dramatic population growth since the mid-20th century as a result of its high birth rate and its declining mortality rate. More than 40% of Kenyans are under the age of 15 because of sustained high fertility, early marriage and childbearing, and an unmet need for family planning. Kenya’s persistent rapid population growth strains the labor market, social services, arable land, and natural resources. Although Kenya in 1967 was the first Sub-Saharan country to launch a nationwide family planning program, progress in reducing the birth rate has largely stalled since the late 1990s, when the government decreased its support for family planning to focus on the HIV epidemic. Government commitment and international technical support spurred Kenyan contraceptive use, decreasing the fertility rate (children per woman) from about 8 in the late 1970s to less than 5 children twenty years later, but it has plateaued at just over 3 children today.Kenya is a source of emigrants and a host country for refugees. In the 1960s and 1970s, Kenyans pursued higher education in the UK because of colonial ties, but as British immigration rules tightened, the US, the then Soviet Union, and Canada became attractive study destinations. Kenya’s stagnant economy and political problems during the 1980s and 1990s led to an outpouring of Kenyan students and professionals seeking permanent opportunities in the West and southern Africa. Nevertheless, Kenya’s relative stability since its independence in 1963 has attracted hundreds of thousands of refugees escaping violent conflicts in neighboring countries; Kenya shelters more than 300,000 Somali refugees as of April 2017.
Age structure: 0-14 years: 38.71% (male 10,412,321/female 10,310,908)

15-24 years: 20.45% (male 5,486,641/female 5,460,372)

25-54 years: 33.75% (male 9,046,946/female 9,021,207)

55-64 years: 4.01% (male 1,053,202/female 1,093,305)

65 years and over: 3.07% (2020 est.) (male 750,988/female 892,046)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 69.8

youth dependency ratio: 65.5

elderly dependency ratio: 4.3

potential support ratio: 23.5 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 20 years

male: 19.9 years

female: 20.1 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.12% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 26.39 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 5.01 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: population heavily concentrated in the west along the shore of Lake Victoria; other areas of high density include the capital of Nairobi, and in the southeast along the Indian Ocean coast as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization: urban population: 29% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 4.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 5.119 million NAIROBI (capital), 1.389 million Mombassa (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 20.3 years (2014 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio: 342 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 27.86 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 30.92 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 24.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.69 years

male: 67.98 years

female: 71.43 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.29 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 59.7% (2019)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 91.3% of population

rural: 63.3% of population

total: 71.2% of population

unimproved: urban: 8.7% of population

rural: 36.7% of population

total: 28.8% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 4.6% (2019)
Physicians density: 0.16 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 84% of population

rural: 48.1% of population

total: 58.2% of population

unimproved: urban: 16% of population

rural: 51.9% of population

total: 41.8% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 4.2% (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1.4 million (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 29,000 (2020 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and Rift Valley fever

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis

animal contact diseases: rabies
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 7.1% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 11.1% (2020 est.)

male: 19.5% (2020 est.)

female: 2.7% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 11.2% (2014)
Education expenditures: 5.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 81.5%

male: 85%

female: 78.2% (2018)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12.9%

male: 12%

female: 13.8% (2019)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; water shortage and degraded water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; flooding; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 25.85 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 17.91 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 37.65 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior
Land use: agricultural land: 48.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 9.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.9% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 37.4% (2018 est.)

forest: 6.1% (2018 est.)

other: 45.8% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 29% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 4.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 1.3% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and Rift Valley fever

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis

animal contact diseases: rabies
Food insecurity: exceptional shortfall in aggregate food production/supplies: due to drought conditions - about 3.1 million people were estimated to be severely food insecure in February 2022 reflecting consecutive poor rainy seasons since late 2020 that affected crop and livestock production, mainly in northern and eastern pastoral, agro-pastoral and marginal agricultural areas; the deterioration of the food security situation is mainly due to the negative impact of two consecutive poor rainy seasons since October 2020 on crop and livestock production and on on‑farm income‑earning opportunities; the impact of the measures implemented to curb the spread of the COVID‑19 pandemic on economic activities exacerbated food insecurity (2022)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 5,595,099 tons (2010 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 447,608 tons (2009 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 8% (2009 est.)
Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Victoria (shared with Tanzania and Uganda) - 62,940 sq km

Salt water lake(s): Lake Turkana (shared with Ethiopia) - 6,400 sq km
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km)
Major aquifers: Ogaden-Juba Basin
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 495 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 303 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 3.234 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 30.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Kenya

conventional short form: Kenya

local long form: Republic of Kenya (English)/ Jamhuri ya Kenya (Swahili)

local short form: Kenya

former: British East Africa

etymology: named for Mount Kenya; the meaning of the name is unclear but may derive from the Kikuyu, Embu, and Kamba words "kirinyaga," "kirenyaa," and "kiinyaa" - all of which mean "God's resting place"
Government type: presidential republic
Capital: name: Nairobi

geographic coordinates: 1 17 S, 36 49 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: the name derives from the Maasai expression meaning "cool waters" and refers to a cold water stream that flowed through the area in the late 19th century
Administrative divisions: 47 counties; Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo/Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang'a, Nairobi City, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Samburu, Siaya, Taita/Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Wajir, West Pokot
Independence: 12 December 1963 (from the UK)
National holiday: Jamhuri Day (Independence Day), 12 December (1963); note - Madaraka Day, 1 June (1963) marks the day Kenya attained internal self-rule
Constitution: history: current constitution passed by referendum on 4 August 2010

amendments: amendments can be proposed by either house of Parliament or by petition of at least one million eligible voters; passage of amendments by Parliament requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses in each of two readings, approval in a referendum by majority of votes cast by at least 20% of eligible voters in at least one half of Kenya’s counties, and approval by the president; passage of amendments introduced by petition requires approval by a majority of county assemblies, approval by majority vote of both houses, and approval by the president
Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; judicial review in the new Supreme Court established by the new constitution
International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Kenya

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 4 out of the previous 7 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Uhuru KENYATTA (since 9 April 2013); Deputy President William RUTO (since 9 April 2013); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Uhuru KENYATTA (since 9 April 2013); Deputy President William RUTO (since 9 April 2013); note - position of the prime minister was abolished after the March 2013 elections

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly

elections/appointments: president and deputy president directly elected on the same ballot by qualified majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); in addition to receiving an absolute majority popular vote, the presidential candidate must also win at least 25% of the votes cast in at least 24 of the 47 counties to avoid a runoff; election last held on 26 October 2017 (next to be held on 9 August 2022)

election results: 2017: Uhuru KENYATTA reelected president; percent of vote - Uhuru KENYATTA (Jubilee Party) 98.3%, Raila ODINGA (ODM) 1%, other 0.7%; note - Kenya held a previous presidential election on 8 August 2017, but Kenya's Supreme Court on 1 September 2017 nullified the results, citing irregularities; the political opposition boycotted the October vote

2013:  Uhuru KENYATTA elected president in first round; percent of vote - Uhuru KENYATTA (TNA) 50.1%, Raila ODINGA (ODM) 43.7%, Musalia MUDAVADI (UDF) 4.0%, other 2.2%
Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of:
Senate (68 seats; 47 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 20 directly elected by proportional representation vote - 16 women, 2 representing youth, 2 representing the disabled, and the Senate speaker; members serve 5-year terms)
National Assembly (350 seats; 290 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 47 women in single-seat constituencies elected by simple majority vote, and 12 members nominated by the National Assembly - 6 representing youth and 6 representing the disabled, and the Assembly speaker; members serve 5-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 8 August 2017 (next to be held in August 2022)
National Assembly - last held on 8 August 2017 (next to be held on 9 August 2022)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - Jubilee Party 24; National Super Alliance 28, other 14, independent 1; composition - men 46, women 22, percent of women is 32.4%

National Assembly - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - Jubilee Party 165, National Super Alliance 119, other 51, independent 13; composition - men 275, women 75, percent of women 21.4%; note - total Parliament percent of women 23%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of chief and deputy chief justices and 5 judges)

judge selection and term of office: chief and deputy chief justices nominated by Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and appointed by the president with approval of the National Assembly; other judges nominated by the JSC and appointed by president; chief justice serves a nonrenewable 10-year term or until age 70, whichever comes first; other judges serve until age 70

subordinate courts: High Court; Court of Appeal; military courts; magistrates' courts; religious courts
Political parties and leaders: Alliance Party of Kenya or APK [Kiraitu MURUNGI]
Amani National Congress or ANC [Musalia MUDAVADI]
Federal Party of Kenya or FPK [Cyrus JIRONGA]
Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-Kenya or FORD-K [Moses WETANGULA]
Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-People or FORD-P [Henry OBWOCHA]
Jubilee Party [Uhuru KENYATTA]
Kenya African National Union or KANU [Gideon MOI]
National Rainbow Coalition or NARC [Charity NGILU]
Orange Democratic Movement Party of Kenya or ODM [Raila ODINGA]
Wiper Democratic Movement-K or WDM-K (formerly Orange Democratic Movement-Kenya or ODM-K) [Kalonzo MUSYOKA]
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCT, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lazarus Ombai AMAYO (since 17 July 2020)

chancery: 1616 P Street NW, Suite 340, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101

FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829

email address and website:
information@kenyaembassydc.org

https://kenyaembassydc.org/#

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

consulate(s): New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Eric W. KNEEDLER (since 20 January 2021)

embassy: P.O. Box 606 Village Market, 00621 Nairobi

mailing address: 8900 Nairobi Place, Washington, DC  20521-8900

telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000

FAX: [254] (20) 363-6157

email address and website:
kenya_acs@state.gov

https://ke.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is edged in white; a large Maasai warrior's shield covering crossed spears is superimposed at the center; black symbolizes the majority population, red the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green stands for natural wealth, and white for peace; the shield and crossed spears symbolize the defense of freedom
National symbol(s): lion; national colors: black, red, green, white
National anthem: name: "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (Oh God of All Creation)

lyrics/music: Graham HYSLOP, Thomas KALUME, Peter KIBUKOSYA, Washington OMONDI, and George W. SENOGA-ZAKE/traditional, adapted by Graham HYSLOP, Thomas KALUME, Peter KIBUKOSYA, Washington OMONDI, and George W. SENOGA-ZAKE

note: adopted 1963; based on a traditional Kenyan folk song
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 7 (4 cultural, 3 natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Lake Turkana National Parks (n); Mount Kenya National Park (n); Lamu Old Town (c); Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests (c); Fort Jesus, Mombasa (c); Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley (n); Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site (c)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Kenya is the economic, financial, and transport hub of East Africa. Kenya’s real GDP growth has averaged over 5% for the last decade. Since 2014, Kenya has been ranked as a lower middle income country because its per capita GDP crossed a World Bank threshold. While Kenya has a growing entrepreneurial middle class and steady growth, its economic development has been impaired by weak governance and corruption. Although reliable numbers are hard to find, unemployment and under-employment are extremely high, and could be near 40% of the population. In 2013, the country adopted a devolved system of government with the creation of 47 counties, and is in the process of devolving state revenues and responsibilities to the counties.   Agriculture remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy, contributing one-third of GDP. About 75% of Kenya’s population of roughly 48.5 million work at least part-time in the agricultural sector, including livestock and pastoral activities. Over 75% of agricultural output is from small-scale, rain-fed farming or livestock production. Tourism also holds a significant place in Kenya’s economy. In spite of political turmoil throughout the second half of 2017, tourism was up 20%, showcasing the strength of this sector. Kenya has long been a target of terrorist activity and has struggled with instability along its northeastern borders. Some high visibility terrorist attacks during 2013-2015 (e.g., at Nairobi’s Westgate Mall and Garissa University) affected the tourism industry severely, but the sector rebounded strongly in 2016-2017 and appears poised to continue growing.   Inadequate infrastructure continues to hamper Kenya’s efforts to improve its annual growth so that it can meaningfully address poverty and unemployment. The KENYATTA administration has been successful in courting external investment for infrastructure development. International financial institutions and donors remain important to Kenya's growth and development, but Kenya has also successfully raised capital in the global bond market issuing its first sovereign bond offering in mid-2014, with a second occurring in February 2018. The first phase of a Chinese-financed and constructed standard gauge railway connecting Mombasa and Nairobi opened in May 2017.   In 2016 the government was forced to take over three small and undercapitalized banks when underlying weaknesses were exposed. The government also enacted legislation that limits interest rates banks can charge on loans and set a rate that banks must pay their depositors. This measure led to a sharp shrinkage of credit in the economy. A prolonged election cycle in 2017 hurt the economy, drained government resources, and slowed GDP growth. Drought-like conditions in parts of the country pushed 2017 inflation above 8%, but the rate had fallen to 4.5% in February 2018.   The economy, however, is well placed to resume its decade-long 5%-6% growth rate. While fiscal deficits continue to pose risks in the medium term, other economic indicators, including foreign exchange reserves, interest rates, current account deficits, remittances and FDI are positive. The credit and drought-related impediments were temporary. Now In his second term, President KENYATTA has pledged to make economic growth and development a centerpiece of his second administration, focusing on his "Big Four" initiatives of universal healthcare, food security, affordable housing, and expansion of manufacturing.Kenya is the economic, financial, and transport hub of East Africa. Kenya’s real GDP growth has averaged over 5% for the last decade. Since 2014, Kenya has been ranked as a lower middle income country because its per capita GDP crossed a World Bank threshold. While Kenya has a growing entrepreneurial middle class and steady growth, its economic development has been impaired by weak governance and corruption. Although reliable numbers are hard to find, unemployment and under-employment are extremely high, and could be near 40% of the population. In 2013, the country adopted a devolved system of government with the creation of 47 counties, and is in the process of devolving state revenues and responsibilities to the counties. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy, contributing one-third of GDP. About 75% of Kenya’s population of roughly 48.5 million work at least part-time in the agricultural sector, including livestock and pastoral activities. Over 75% of agricultural output is from small-scale, rain-fed farming or livestock production. Tourism also holds a significant place in Kenya’s economy. In spite of political turmoil throughout the second half of 2017, tourism was up 20%, showcasing the strength of this sector. Kenya has long been a target of terrorist activity and has struggled with instability along its northeastern borders. Some high visibility terrorist attacks during 2013-2015 (e.g., at Nairobi’s Westgate Mall and Garissa University) affected the tourism industry severely, but the sector rebounded strongly in 2016-2017 and appears poised to continue growing. Inadequate infrastructure continues to hamper Kenya’s efforts to improve its annual growth so that it can meaningfully address poverty and unemployment. The KENYATTA administration has been successful in courting external investment for infrastructure development. International financial institutions and donors remain important to Kenya's growth and development, but Kenya has also successfully raised capital in the global bond market issuing its first sovereign bond offering in mid-2014, with a second occurring in February 2018. The first phase of a Chinese-financed and constructed standard gauge railway connecting Mombasa and Nairobi opened in May 2017. In 2016 the government was forced to take over three small and undercapitalized banks when underlying weaknesses were exposed. The government also enacted legislation that limits interest rates banks can charge on loans and set a rate that banks must pay their depositors. This measure led to a sharp shrinkage of credit in the economy. A prolonged election cycle in 2017 hurt the economy, drained government resources, and slowed GDP growth. Drought-like conditions in parts of the country pushed 2017 inflation above 8%, but the rate had fallen to 4.5% in February 2018. The economy, however, is well placed to resume its decade-long 5%-6% growth rate. While fiscal deficits continue to pose risks in the medium term, other economic indicators, including foreign exchange reserves, interest rates, current account deficits, remittances and FDI are positive. The credit and drought-related impediments were temporary. Now In his second term, President KENYATTA has pledged to make economic growth and development a centerpiece of his second administration, focusing on his "Big Four" initiatives of universal healthcare, food security, affordable housing, and expansion of manufacturing.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $226.94 billion (2020 est.)

$227.64 billion (2019 est.)

$216.05 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 5.39% (2019 est.)

6.32% (2018 est.)

4.79% (2017 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $4,200 (2020 est.)

$4,300 (2019 est.)

$4,200 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $95.52 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.1% (2019 est.)

4.6% (2018 est.)

8% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: B+ (2007)

Moody's rating: B2 (2018)

Standard & Poors rating: B+ (2010)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 34.5% (2017 est.)

industry: 17.8% (2017 est.)

services: 47.5% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 79.5% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 14.3% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 18.9% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: -1% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 13.9% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -25.5% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: sugar cane, milk, maize, potatoes, bananas, camel milk, cassava, sweet potatoes, mangoes/guavas, cabbages
Industries: small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, clothing, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products, horticulture, oil refining; aluminum, steel, lead; cement, commercial ship repair, tourism, information technology
Industrial production growth rate: 3.6% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 19.6 million (2017 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 61.1%

industry: 6.7%

services: 32.2% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 40% (2013 est.)

40% (2001 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12.9%

male: 12%

female: 13.8% (2019)
Population below poverty line: 36.1% (2015 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 40.8 (2015 est.)

42.5 (2008 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.8%

highest 10%: 37.8% (2005)
Budget: revenues: 13.95 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 19.24 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -6.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 54.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

53.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 17.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Current account balance: -$57.594 billion (2019 est.)

-$56.194 billion (2018 est.)
Exports: $11.49 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$11.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$9.723 billion (2017 est.)
Exports - partners: Uganda 10%, United States 9%, Netherlands 8%, Pakistan 7%, United Kingdom 6%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Tanzania 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: tea, cut flowers, refined petroleum, coffee, titanium (2019)
Imports: $20.41 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$20.17 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$18.653 billion (2017 est.)
Imports - partners: China 24%, United Arab Emirates 10%, India 10%, Saudi Arabia 7%, Japan 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicines, wheat, iron products (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $7.354 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$7.256 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $29.289 billion (2019 est.)

$25.706 billion (2018 est.)
Exchange rates: Kenyan shillings (KES) per US dollar -

111.45 (2020 est.)

101.4 (2019 est.)

102.4 (2018 est.)

98.179 (2014 est.)

87.921 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 85% (2019)

electrification - urban areas: 99% (2019)

electrification - rural areas: 79% (2019)
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 3.304 million kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 8.243 billion kWh (2019 est.)

exports: 16 million kWh (2019 est.)

imports: 277 million kWh (2019 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 2.724 billion kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 8.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 10.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 32.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

geothermal: 46.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 821,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 822,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 116,400 bbl/day (2019 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 13,960 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 173 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 90,620 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 17.709 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.25 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 16.459 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 6.31 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 66,646 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 61,408,904 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 114 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Kenya’s telecom market continues to undergo considerable changes in the wake of increased competition, improved international connectivity, and rapid developments in the mobile market; the country is directly connected to a number of submarine cables, and with Mombasa as a landing point for LIT’s newly completed East and West Africa terrestrial network, the country serves as a key junction for onward connectivity to the Arabian states and the Far East; the additional internet capacity has meant that the cost of internet access has fallen dramatically in recent years, allowing services to be affordable to a far greater proportion of the population; the incumbent fixed-line telco Telkom Kenya has struggled to make headway in this market, prompting reorganization in 2018 which included a sale and leaseback arrangement with its mobile tower portfolio; a further restructuring exercise in late 2020 was aimed at repositioning the company for the digital age, and to improve its ability to compete in the market; numerous competitors are rolling out national and metropolitan backbone networks and wireless access networks to deliver services to population centers across the country; several fiber infrastructure sharing agreements have been forged, and as a result the number of fiber broadband connections has increased sharply in recent years; much of the progress in the broadband segment is due to the government’s revised national broadband strategy, which has been updated with goals through to 2030, and which are largely dependent on mobile broadband platforms based on LTE and 5G. (2022)

domestic: fixed-line subscriptions stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; multiple providers in the mobile-cellular segment of the market fostering a boom in mobile-cellular telephone usage with teledensity reaching 114 per 100 persons (2020)

international: country code - 254; landing point for the EASSy, TEAMS, LION2, DARE1, PEACE Cable, and SEACOM fiber-optic submarine cable systems covering East, North and South Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat; launched first micro satellites in 2018 (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: about a half-dozen large-scale privately owned media companies with TV and radio stations, as well as a state-owned TV broadcaster, provide service nationwide; satellite and cable TV subscription services available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 national radio channels and provides regional and local radio services in multiple languages; many private radio stations broadcast on a national level along with over 100 private and non-profit regional stations broadcasting in local languages; TV transmissions of all major international broadcasters available, mostly via paid subscriptions; direct radio frequency modulation transmissions available for several foreign government-owned broadcasters (2019)
Internet country code: .ke
Internet users: total: 16,131,390 (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 674,191 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 25 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 188

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,935,831 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 294.97 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 5Y
Airports: total: 197 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 16

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 1 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 181

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 107

under 914 m: 60 (2021)
Pipelines: 4 km oil, 1,432 km refined products (2018)
Railways: total: 3,819 km (2018)

standard gauge: 485 km (2018) 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 3,334 km (2018) 1.000-m gauge
Roadways: total: 161,452 km (2018)

paved: 14,420 km (2017) (8,500 km highways, 1,872 urban roads, and 4,048 rural roads)

unpaved: 147,032 km (2017)
Waterways: (2011) none specifically; the only significant inland waterway is the part of Lake Victoria within the boundaries of Kenya; Kisumu is the main port and has ferry connections to Uganda and Tanzania
Merchant marine: total: 26

by type: oil tanker 3, other 23 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Kisumu, Mombasa

LNG terminal(s) (import): Mombasa

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Kenya Defense Forces: Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Kenya Air Force (2022)

note 1: the National Police Service maintains internal security and reports to the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government; it includes a paramilitary General Service Unit

note 2: the Kenya Coast Guard Service (established 2018) is under the Ministry of Interior, but led by a military officer and comprised of personnel from the military, as well as the National Police Service, intelligence services, and other government agencies
Military expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)

1.2% of GDP (2020 est.)

1.2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $1.21 billion)

1.3% of GDP (2018) (approximately $1.24 billion)

1.4% of GDP (2017) (approximately $1.19 billion)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 24,000 personnel (20,000 Army; 1,500 Navy; 2,500 Air Force) (2022)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the KDF's inventory traditionally carried mostly older or second-hand Western weapons systems, particularly from France, the UK, and the US; however, since the 2000s it has sought to modernize and diversify its imports, and suppliers have included more than a dozen countries ranging from China to Italy, Jordan, and the US (2022)
Military service age and obligation: no conscription; 18-26 years of age for male and female voluntary service (under 18 with parental consent; upper limit 30 years of age for specialists, tradesmen, or women with a diploma; 39 years of age for chaplains/imams), with a 9-year obligation (7 years for Kenyan Navy) and subsequent 3-year re-enlistments; applicants must be Kenyan citizens (2022)
Military deployments: 260 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); 3,650 Somalia (ATMIS) (2022)
Military - note: Kenyan military forces intervened in Somalia in October 2011 to combat the al Qaida-affiliated al-Shabaab terrorist group, which had conducted numerous cross-border attacks into Kenya; in November 2011, the UN and the African Union invited Kenya to incorporate the force into the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM); Kenyan forces were formally integrated into AMISOM in February 2012; as of 2022, they consisted of approximately 3,600 troops and were responsible for AMISOM’s Sector 2 comprising Lower and Middle Jubba (see Appendix-T for additional details on al-Shabaab) (2022)
Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau reports that shipping in territorial and offshore waters in the Indian Ocean remain at risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships

Topic: Terrorism
Terrorist group(s): al-Shabaab; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force

note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: as of March 2022, Kenya provides shelter to nearly 548,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including Ugandans who flee across the border periodically to seek protection from Lord's Resistance Army rebels Kenya-Ethiopia: their border was demarcated in the 1950s and approved in 1970; in 2012, Kenya and Ethiopia agreed to redemarcate their boundary following disputes over beacons and crossborder crime Kenya-Somalia: Kenya works hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading across the border, which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists; in 2021, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gave Somalia control over a disputed ocean area where the seabeds are believed to hold vasts oil and gas deposits; the ICJ ruling gives Somalia the rights to several offshore oil exploration blocks previously claimed by Kenya; Kenya did not recognize the court’s decision Kenya-South Sudan: two thirds of the boundary that separates Kenya and South Sudan's sovereignty known as the Ilemi Triangle has been unclear since British colonial times; Kenya has administered the area since colonial times; officials from Kenya and South Sudan signed a M.o.U. on boundary delimitation and demarcation and agreed to set up a joint committee; as of July 2019, the demarcation process was to begin in 90 days, but was delayed due to a lack of funding Kenya-Sudan: Kenya served as an important mediator in brokering Sudan's north-south separation in February 2005 Kenya-Tanzania: Kenya and Tanzania were conducting a joint reaffirmation process in November 2021 to ensure the border was visibly marked with pillars Kenya-Uganda: Kenya and Uganda began a joint demarcation of the boundary in 2021   as of March 2022, Kenya provides shelter to nearly 548,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including Ugandans who flee across the border periodically to seek protection from Lord's Resistance Army rebelsKenya-Ethiopia: their border was demarcated in the 1950s and approved in 1970; in 2012, Kenya and Ethiopia agreed to redemarcate their boundary following disputes over beacons and crossborder crimeKenya-Somalia: Kenya works hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading across the border, which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists; in 2021, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gave Somalia control over a disputed ocean area where the seabeds are believed to hold vasts oil and gas deposits; the ICJ ruling gives Somalia the rights to several offshore oil exploration blocks previously claimed by Kenya; Kenya did not recognize the court’s decisionKenya-South Sudan: two thirds of the boundary that separates Kenya and South Sudan's sovereignty known as the Ilemi Triangle has been unclear since British colonial times; Kenya has administered the area since colonial times; officials from Kenya and South Sudan signed a M.o.U. on boundary delimitation and demarcation and agreed to set up a joint committee; as of July 2019, the demarcation process was to begin in 90 days, but was delayed due to a lack of fundingKenya-Sudan: Kenya served as an important mediator in brokering Sudan's north-south separation in February 2005Kenya-Tanzania: Kenya and Tanzania were conducting a joint reaffirmation process in November 2021 to ensure the border was visibly marked with pillarsKenya-Uganda: Kenya and Uganda began a joint demarcation of the boundary in 2021
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 279,200 (Somalia), 144,441 (South Sudan), 31,342 (Democratic Republic of the Congo), 21,066 (Ethiopia), 7,697 (Burundi), 5,022 (Sudan) (2022)

IDPs: 190,000 (election-related violence, intercommunal violence, resource conflicts, al-Shabaab attacks in 2017 and 2018) (2021)

stateless persons: 16,820 (mid-year 2021); note - the stateless population consists of Nubians, Kenyan Somalis, and coastal Arabs; the Nubians are descendants of Sudanese soldiers recruited by the British to fight for them in East Africa more than a century ago; Nubians did not receive Kenyan citizenship when the country became independent in 1963; only recently have Nubians become a formally recognized tribe and had less trouble obtaining national IDs; Galjeel and other Somalis who have lived in Kenya for decades are included with more recent Somali refugees and denied ID cards
Illicit drugs: a transit country for a variety of illicit drugs, including heroin and cocaine; transit location for precursor chemicals used to produce methamphetamine and other drugs; heroin from Southwest Asia enters Kenya destined for international markets, mainly Europe; cocaine transits through Kenya shipped through Ethiopia from South America;  cultivates cannabis and miraa (khat) for both local use and exporta transit country for a variety of illicit drugs, including heroin and cocaine; transit location for precursor chemicals used to produce methamphetamine and other drugs; heroin from Southwest Asia enters Kenya destined for international markets, mainly Europe; cocaine transits through Kenya shipped through Ethiopia from South America;  cultivates cannabis and miraa (khat) for both local use and export


This entry contains an alphabetical listing of all nonindependent entities associated in some way with a particular independent state.

Topic: AustraliaAshmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island

Topic: FranceClipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna

note: the US Government does not recognize claims to Antarctica; New Caledonia has been considered a "sui generis" collectivity of France since 1998, a unique status falling between that of an independent country and a French overseas department

Topic: NetherlandsAruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten

Topic: New ZealandCook Islands, Niue, Tokelau

Topic: NorwayBouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

Topic: United KingdomAnguilla; Bermuda; British Indian Ocean Territory; British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Falkland Islands; Gibraltar; Montserrat; Pitcairn Islands; Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha; South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; Turks and Caicos Islands

Topic: United StatesAmerican Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island

note: from 18 July 1947 until 1 October 1994, the US administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; it entered into a political relationship with all four political entities: the Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with the US (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 21 October 1986); the Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 1 October 1994)


This entry includes information on a country's acceptance of jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and of the International Criminal Court (ICCt); 61 countries have accepted ICJ jurisdiction with reservations and 12 have accepted ICJ jurisdiction without reservations; 123 countries and the Palestine Liberation Organization have accepted ICCt jurisdiction. Appendix B: International Organizations and Groups explains the differing mandates of the ICJ and ICCt.

Topic: Afghanistanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; formerly accepted ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Albaniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Algeriahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Andorrahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Angolahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Antigua and Barbudahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Argentinahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Armeniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Australiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Austriaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Azerbaijanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Bahamas, Thehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Bahrainhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Bangladeshhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Barbadosaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Belarushas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Belgiumaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Belizehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Beninhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Bermudahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Bhutanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Boliviahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Botswanaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Brazilhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Bruneihas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC

Topic: Bulgariaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Burkina Fasohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Burmahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Burundihas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; withdrew from ICCt in October 2017

Topic: Cabo Verdehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Cambodiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Cameroonaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Canadaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Central African Republichas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Chadhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Chilehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Chinahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Colombiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Comoroshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Congo, Republic of thehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Cook Islandshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration (New Zealand normally retains responsibility for external affairs); accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Costa Ricaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Cote d'Ivoireaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Croatiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Cubahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Cyprusaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICC jurisdiction

Topic: Czechiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Denmarkaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Djiboutiaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Dominicaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Dominican Republicaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Ecuadorhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Egyptaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: El Salvadorhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Equatorial Guineaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Eritreahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Estoniaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Eswatiniaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Ethiopiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Fijihas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Finlandaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Francehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Gabonhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Gambia, Theaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Georgiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Germanyaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Ghanahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Greeceaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Grenadahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Guatemalahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Guineaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Guinea-Bissauaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Guyanahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Haitiaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Hondurasaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Hungaryaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICC jurisdiction

Topic: Icelandhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Indiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Indonesiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Iranhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Iraqhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Irelandaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Israelhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; withdrew acceptance of ICCt jurisdiction in 2002

Topic: Italyaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Jamaicahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Japanaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Jordanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICC jurisdiction

Topic: Kazakhstanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Kenyaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Kiribatihas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Korea, Northhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC

Topic: Korea, Southhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Kosovohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Kuwaithas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Kyrgyzstanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Laoshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Latviahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Lebanonhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Lesothoaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Liberiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Libyahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC

Topic: Liechtensteinaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Lithuaniaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Luxembourgaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Madagascaraccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Malawiaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Malaysiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Maldiveshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Malihas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICC jurisdiction

Topic: Maltaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Marshall Islandsaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Mauritaniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Mauritiusaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Mexicoaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Moldovahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Monacohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Mongoliahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Montenegrohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Moroccohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Mozambiquehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Namibiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Nauruhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Nepalhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Netherlandsaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: New Zealandaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Nicaraguaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Nigerhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Nigeriaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: North Macedoniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Norwayaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Omanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Pakistanaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Palauhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Panamaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Papua New Guineahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Paraguayaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Peruaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Philippinesaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; withdrew from the ICCt in March 2019

Topic: Polandaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Portugalaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Qatarhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Romaniaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Russiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Rwandahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevishas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Saint Luciahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadineshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Samoahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: San Marinohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Sao Tome and Principehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Saudi Arabiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Senegalaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Serbiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Seychelleshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Sierra Leonehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Singaporehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC (2019)

Topic: Slovakiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Sloveniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Solomon Islandshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Somaliaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: South Africahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Spainaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Sri Lankahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Sudanaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; withdrew acceptance of ICCt jurisdiction in 2008

Topic: Surinameaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Swedenaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Switzerlandaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Syriahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC

Topic: Taiwanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Tajikistanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Tanzaniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Thailandhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Timor-Lesteaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Togoaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Tongahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Tunisiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Turkmenistanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Tuvaluhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Ugandaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Ukrainehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: United Arab Emirateshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: United Kingdomaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: United Stateswithdrew acceptance of compulsory ICJ jurisdiction in 2005; withdrew acceptance of ICCt jurisdiction in 2002

Topic: Uruguayaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Uzbekistanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Vanuatuhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Venezuelahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Vietnamhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Worldall members of the UN are parties to the statute that established the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or World Court; states parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICCt) are those countries that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the Court; as of May 2019, a total of 122 countries have accepted jurisdiction of the ICCt (see Appendix B for a clarification on the differing mandates of the ICJ and ICCt)

Topic: Yemenhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Topic: Zambiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Topic: Zimbabwehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt


Topic: Introduction
Background: The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. By the 19th century, Great Britain had become the dominant political power on the subcontinent and India was seen as the "Jewel in the Crown" of the British Empire. Years of nonviolent resistance to British rule eventually resulted in Indian independence in 1947.The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. By the 19th century, Great Britain had become the dominant political power on the subcontinent and India was seen as the "Jewel in the Crown" of the British Empire. Years of nonviolent resistance to British rule eventually resulted in Indian independence in 1947.

Topic: Geography
Area: total: 3,287,263 sq km

land: 2,973,193 sq km

water: 314,070 sq km
Climate: varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north
Natural resources: coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), antimony, iron ore, lead, manganese, mica, bauxite, rare earth elements, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone, arable land

Topic: People and Society
Population: 1,389,637,446 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, and other 3% (2000)
Languages: Hindi 43.6%, Bengali 8%, Marathi 6.9%, Telugu 6.7%, Tamil 5.7%, Gujarati 4.6%, Urdu 4.2%, Kannada 3.6%, Odia 3.1%, Malayalam 2.9%, Punjabi 2.7%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.1%, other 5.6%; note - English enjoys the status of subsidiary official language but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication; there are 22 other officially recognized languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language (2011 est.)
Religions: Hindu 79.8%, Muslim 14.2%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.7%, other and unspecified 2% (2011 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.67% (2022 est.)

Topic: Government
Government type: federal parliamentary republic
Capital: name: New Delhi
Executive branch: chief of state: President Ram Nath KOVIND (since 25 July 2017); Vice President M. Venkaiah NAIDU (since 11 August 2017)

head of government: Prime Minister Narendra MODI (since 26 May 2014)
Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of:
Council of States or Rajya Sabha (245 seats; 233 members indirectly elected by state and territorial assemblies by proportional representation vote and 12 members appointed by the president; members serve 6-year terms with one-third of the membership renewed every 2 years at various dates)
House of the People or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 2 appointed by the president; members serve 5-year terms)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: largest South Asian economy; still informal domestic economies; COVID-19 reversed both economic growth and poverty reduction; credit access weaknesses contributing to lower private consumption and inflation; new social and infrastructure equity effortslargest South Asian economy; still informal domestic economies; COVID-19 reversed both economic growth and poverty reduction; credit access weaknesses contributing to lower private consumption and inflation; new social and infrastructure equity efforts
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $8,443,360,000,000 (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $6,100 (2020 est.)
Agricultural products: sugar cane, rice, wheat, buffalo milk, milk, potatoes, vegetables, bananas, maize, mangoes/guavas
Industries: textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software, pharmaceuticals
Exports: $484.95 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners: United States 17%, United Arab Emirates 9%, China 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, diamonds, packaged medicines, jewelry, cars (2019)
Imports: $493.18 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners: China 15%, United States 7%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, gold, coal, diamonds, natural gas (2019)
Exchange rates: Indian rupees (INR) per US dollar -Page last updated: Thursday, May 12, 2022