Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are three countries located in East Africa, sharing borders and rich natural resources, including Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Understanding the comparative sizes of these countries and the distribution of Lake Victoria's waters is essential for appreciating their geographical and ecological significance.
Size Comparison:
Kenya: The total land area of Kenya is approximately 580,367 square kilometers (224,081 square miles). It is known for its diverse landscapes, including savannahs, mountains, and coastal regions.
Uganda: Uganda has a land area of about 241,038 square kilometers (93,065 square miles). The country is characterized by its mountainous terrain and numerous lakes and rivers.
Tanzania: Tanzania is the largest of the three, with a land area of around 945,087 square kilometers (364,900 square miles). It includes significant natural features such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Park.
In summary, Tanzania is the largest, followed by Kenya, and then Uganda. To visualize this:
Tanzania: 945,087 km²
Kenya: 580,367 km²
Uganda: 241,038 km²
Lake Victoria Allocation:
Lake Victoria is shared by three countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The lake covers a total area of approximately 68,800 square kilometers (26,600 square miles), and its waters are divided among the three countries as follows:
Uganda: Approximately 49% of Lake Victoria's surface area is located within Uganda's borders. The lake's northern shores are predominantly Ugandan, and the city of Entebbe is a significant urban center by the lake.
Tanzania: Tanzania claims around 45% of the lake's area. The lake's southern portion is predominantly Tanzanian, including the important city of Mwanza, which plays a key role in the fishing industry.
Kenya: Kenya has approximately 6% of the lake, primarily along its western shores, with the town of Kisumu being the main urban area on the lake.
In summary, the distribution of Lake Victoria's surface area is as follows:
Uganda: ~49%
Tanzania: ~45%
Kenya: ~6%
Conclusion:
Understanding the size differences between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania highlights the geographical diversity of East Africa. The allocation of Lake Victoria among these countries reflects their shared natural resources and the importance of cooperative management for sustainable development. The lake is vital for the economies of all three nations, providing resources such as fish and water for agriculture.
References:
World Bank. (2021). Kenya Overview.
World Bank. (2021). Uganda Overview.
World Bank. (2021). Tanzania Overview.
Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project. Lake Victoria Basin.