a republic in E Africa, on the Indian Ocean: became a British protectorate in 1895 and a colony in 1920; gained independence in 1963 and is a member of the Commonwealth. Tea and coffee constitute about a third of the total exports. Official languages: Swahili and English. Religions: Christian majority, Muslim minority. Currency: shilling. Capital: Nairobi. Pop: 49 699 862 (2017 est). Area: 582 647 sq km (224 960 sq miles)