Nairobi /naɪˈroʊbɪ/ is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The name Nairobi comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyorobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun." Founded in 1899, the city was handed capital status from Mombasa in 1905. Nairobi is also the capital of the Nairobi County. 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.
Nairobi is the most populous city in East Africa, with an estimated urban population of between 3 and 4 million. According to the 2009 Census, in the administrative area of Nairobi, 3,138,295 inhabitants lived within 696 km². Nairobi is currently the 4th largest city in Africa. Nairobi is now one of the most prominent cities in Africa politically and financially. Home to many companies and organizations, Nairobi is established as a hub for business and culture. The Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC) defines Nairobi as a prominent social centre. (Read more...)