Situated on the equator _ _(1) Africa's east coast, Kenya has often been recognised as "the cradle of humanity". In the Great Rift Valley palaeontologists have discovered some _ _ (2) the earliest evidence of man's ancestors.

In present day Kenya there’s urban ethnic diversity that has produced a vibrant culture but is _ _ _ _(3) a source of conflict. After independence from Britain in 1963, politics was dominated _ _(4) the charismatic Jomo Kenyatta _ _ _(5) a while until he was succeeded in 1978 by Daniel Arap Moi, who remained _ _(6) power for 24 years. The ruling Kenya African National Union, KANU, was the only legal political party for _ _ _ _ (7) of the 1980s. More recently, the Presidential elections in 2007 led _ _(8) widespread unrest, denting the country's reputation for stability.

However, since then a power-sharing government has formed and a progressive referendum on a new constitution _ _(9) August 2010 produced a resounding "yes" vote. Other pressing challenges include high unemployment, crime and poverty; most Kenyans live _ _ _ _ _(10) the poverty level of $1 a day. Droughts have frequently put millions of people _ _(11) risk. Kenyan has been a leading light in the Somali and Sudanese peace processes in neighbouring northeast Africa.

With its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, Kenya is one of Africa's _ _ _ _ _(12) safari destinations and the lucrative tourist industry has bounced back following the slump that followed bomb attacks _ _(13) Nairobi in 1998 and Mombasa in 2002. Additionally, in 2006 tourism was the country's best international currency earner, ahead _ _(14) horticulture, coffee and tea.