Considering how incredible Kenya is, it doesn't get talked about nearly enough. This diverse country in East Africa is home to all five of the Big 5. The landscape changes dramatically as you move across the country; from the vibrant slopes of the Great Rift Valley, to the vast plains of Amboseli National Park and the vast Indian Ocean that stretches across the coast.

Whether you've waited your whole life to see the Masai Mara, or just have an obsession for absorbing random trivia knowledge; here are 11 interesting facts about Kenya to commit to memory.

Fast facts
Name: Republic of Kenya
Population: approximately 54 million people
Capital city: Nairobi
Currency: Kenyan shilling
National Day: Jamhuri Day 12 December (Independence Day)

1. Kenya has 50 national parks and reserves
Perhaps you've heard of Masai Mara National Park and Amboseli National Park. They are both popular safari destinations. Amboseli offers an unbeatable view of Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro. In Kenya, there are 22 national parks and 28 national reserves managed and maintained by the Kenya Wildlife Service, ensuring that the country's native wildlife is protected from hunters and poachers.

2. The Great Rift Valley was formed more than 25 million years ago
This is probably one of the most interesting facts about Kenya. Running through Kenya from north to south is the Great Rift Valley, also known as the East African Rift Valley. This was formed more than 25 million years ago by geological tension in the earth's crust and is approximately 6,500 kilometres long and 60 kilometres wide. The wide valley allowed the formation of many lakes, creating unique habitats for the country's wildlife.

3. Kenya has more than 60 languages
While Kenya only has two official languages, Kiswahili (also referred to as Swahili) and English, there are approximately 68 languages spoken throughout the country. If you join Contiki's Kenyan Highlights tour, locals greet you in Kiswahili with "Jambo" to say hello, or "Habari" for "Good day, how are you?".

4. The first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize was from Kenya
Her name was Wangari Muta Maathai. This inspiring woman was a Kenyan environmental, social and political activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.

5. Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa
Another interesting fact about Kenya is that after Mount Kilimanjaro in neighbouring Tanzania, Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa.

6. Kenya's national animal is the East African lion
The national animal of Kenya is the East African lion, a species currently considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The African lion is one of the Big 5, joining other magnificent African animals including the African leopard, African elephant, Cape buffalo and rhino.

7. Lake Turkana is the world's largest desert lake
While its global claim to fame is that it's the world's largest desert lake, Lake Turkana is also Kenya's largest lake. Located in the north of the Great Rift Valley, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the three Lake Turkana National Parks - Sibiloi National Park, Central Island National Park and South Island National Park.

8. Coffee is the country's most valuable export
In March 2021, Kenya exported coffee worth approximately 4.56 billion Kenyan shillings, equivalent to over 40.2 million US dollars. Locals value coffee so highly as a commodity that most Kenyans don't actually drink it, and only a small amount is sold domestically.

9. Kenya is the world's leading safari destination
Kenya has been recognised by the World Travel Awards as the world's leading safari destination for 2021, a position it has held for seven years now!

10. Kenya is home to the world's best long-distance runners
Notably, the country's Kalenjin people have produced many world record-breaking athletes and long-distance runners, known for dominating marathon circuits around the world.

11. Kenya's former name
Kenya was once known as British Kenya, as it was part of the British Empire in Africa from 1920 to 1963. Kenya gained independence from Britain on 12 December 1963, and this date now represents the country's national day, Jamhuri Day.