Kenya

Many anthropologists believe the human species originated in Kenya's Rift Valley, where hominid skulls more than 2 million years old have been discovered. That fact alone would make Kenya an important place. But this East Africa nation has many other extraordinary characteristics: diverse terrain, a remarkable variety of plant and animal life, and a fascinating blend of cultures and languages among its people. The political system in Kenya is far from ideal-government corruption is a major problem-but the country is one of the most stable in Africa. Today Kenya has a free press and multiple political parties that compete in national elections. The country has also been fortunate enough to escape the chaos affecting neighboring Somalia and Sudan. Book jacket.