Jim Corrigan 
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 African 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. Historically, government corruption has been a major problem. However, the country adopted a new constitution in 2010 and is considered one of the most stable in Africa. Kenya has a free press and multiple political parties that compete in national elections. The country has also been fortunate to escape the chaos that has affected many neighboring countries in East Africa.