Wikipedia Tour: World Capitals (2 of 50)
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Wikipedia Tour: World Capitals by DailyLit.
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Nairobi
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Nairobi (pronounced /naɪˈroʊbɪ/) is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi Province. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun."[1]
Founded in 1899 as a simple rail depot on the railway linking Mombasa to Uganda, the town quickly grew to become the capital of British East Africa in 1907 and eventually the capital of a free Kenyan republic in 1963.[2] During Kenya's colonial period, the city became a center for the colony's coffee, tea and sisal industry.[3] Nairobi is also the capital of the Nairobi Province and of the Nairobi District. The city lies on the Nairobi River, in the south of the nation, and has an elevation of 1661 m (5450 ft) above sea-level.[4]
Nairobi is the most populous city in East Africa, with an estimated urban population of between 3 and 4 million. According to the 1999 Census, in the administrative area of Nairobi, 2,143,254 inhabitants lived within 684 km2 (264 sq mi).[5] Nairobi is currently the 4th largest city in Africa.
Nairobi is now one of the most prominent cities in Africa politically and financially.[6] Home to many companies and organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme and the UN Office in Africa, Nairobi is established as a hub for business and culture. The Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) is one of the largest in Africa, ranked fourth in terms of trading volume and capable of making 10 million trades a day.[7] The Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC) defines Nairobi as a prominent social centre.
Contents
- 1 History
- 2 Geography
- 3 Economy
- 4 Society and culture
- 5 Tourism
- 6 Transport
- 7 Media
- 8 Housing
- 9 Crime
- 10 Universities
- 11 References
- 12 External links
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Wikipedia Tour: World Capitals
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