These highlands have a cooler climate than the rest of the country, and the rich soil supports the cultivation of tea and coffee, two of Kenya's main export crops. Among these are Mount Kenya, the country's highest point at 5,199 m (17,057 ft) above sea level, and Mount Elgon, which borders Uganda. The Western Highlands: To the west of the Rift Valley rise the Western Highlands, which include several of the highest peaks in Africa. Towns such as Nakuru and Naivasha dot the valley, and it's also home to renowned natural parks like Hell’s Gate and Lake Nakuru National Park. The Valley hosts a significant portion of the country's population due to its fertile volcanic soils suitable for agriculture. The Rift Valley bisects Kenya from north to south, featuring a chain of volcanoes, some of which are still active, and several freshwater and alkaline lakes. It supports grassland vegetation and is mainly used for ranching and farming, although it is also part of the ASALs and is considered semi-arid. The plateau's altitude varies between 300 m (984 ft) and 900 m (2,953 ft) above sea level, but the Chyulu Range and the Taita Hills reach over 2,134 meters (7,000 feet). This expansive region consists of a series of low-lying plateaus and plains, interspersed with minor hill ranges and inselbergs. The Eastern Plateau: Inland from the coast, the land rises into the Eastern Plateau. Mombasa, the major city in this region, serves as an important commercial and tourism hub. The coastal region has a warm, tropical climate which supports the growth of mangrove swamps, palm trees, and the proliferation of various agricultural crops like coconuts, cashews, and citrus fruits. This area features a low-lying, fertile plain with several river deltas. The Coast: Kenya's coastal area along the Indian Ocean extends roughly 536 km (333 mi). The country's geography divides roughly into the coastal areas, the Eastern Plateau, the Rift Valley, the Western Highlands, and the Northern Desert, which is part of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya. The total area of Kenya encompasses approximately 580,650 km 2 (224,962 mi 2). Its southeast flank abuts the Indian Ocean. Kenya, an east African country, shares borders with five other countries: Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, and Tanzania to the south.
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