# Malindi

> city in Kenya

**Wikidata**: [Q271411](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271411)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malindi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/malindi

## Summary

Malindi is a coastal city located in Kenya, situated in the Coast Province and forming part of the broader Coastal Kenya region. With a population of approximately 54,000 people, Malindi serves as a significant human settlement along the Indian Ocean, positioned at coordinates latitude -3.2194444444444 and longitude 40.116666666667. The city holds historical significance through its connections to the Portuguese Empire and continues to serve as a regional center in Kenya's coastal area.

## Key Facts

- **Classification**: City in Kenya, classified as a human settlement
- **Location**: Part of Coastal Kenya, within Coast Province
- **Population**: 54,000 people
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude -3.2194444444444, Longitude 40.116666666667
- **Country**: Kenya (Eastern Africa, established 1963)
- **Historical Connection**: Associated with the Portuguese Empire (1415–1999)
- **Administrative**: Part of Coast Province, one of Kenya's provinces
- **Connectivity**: Home to Malindi Airport
- **Religious Institutions**: Seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malindi (established 2000)
- **Religious Organizations**: Headquarters of Good News International Ministries (established 2003)
- **Digital Presence**: Wikipedia article available with 56 sitelinks; Wikidata entry exists

## FAQs

**What country is Malindi located in?**
Malindi is located in Kenya, a sovereign state in Eastern Africa that was established in 1963. Kenya spans 581,309 square kilometers and borders Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan.

**What region of Kenya is Malindi in?**
Malindi is situated in Coast Province and forms part of Coastal Kenya, a region along the Indian Ocean. The city sits at coordinates -3.2194444444444 latitude and 40.116666666667 longitude.

**What is the population of Malindi?**
Malindi has a population of approximately 54,000 people, making it a significant urban center in Kenya's coastal region.

**What transportation infrastructure serves Malindi?**
Malindi is served by Malindi Airport, providing air connectivity to the city and supporting regional transportation needs.

**What religious institutions are based in Malindi?**
Malindi is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malindi, which was established in 2000. Additionally, Good News International Ministries, a Kenyan religious organization founded in 2003, has its headquarters in Malindi.

**What historical empire had connections to Malindi?**
Malindi has historical connections to the Portuguese Empire, a global empire centered in Portugal that existed from 1415 to 1999. The city was part of Portuguese trading routes along the East African coast.

**What is the administrative status of Malindi?**
Malindi is classified as a city within Coast Province, one of Kenya's provinces. It is part of Coastal Kenya, a geographic region along the Indian Ocean coastline.

## Why It Matters

Malindi matters as a significant coastal urban center in Kenya, representing the intersection of historical trade routes, contemporary administrative structures, and religious institutions. The city's location along the Indian Ocean placed it at the crossroads of maritime trade during the era of the Portuguese Empire, contributing to its historical development and cultural significance.

As the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malindi, the city holds religious importance for Catholic communities in the region. The presence of Good News International Ministries, established in 2003, further establishes Malindi as a center for religious activity and organization in Kenya.

The city's role within Coast Province and Coastal Kenya positions it as an important administrative and economic hub in Kenya's eastern coastal region. With a population of 54,000, Malindi serves as a residential, commercial, and transportation center, with Malindi Airport providing connectivity to other parts of Kenya and the broader East African region.

Malindi's coordinates at -3.2194444444444 latitude and 40.116666666667 longitude place it precisely along Kenya's Indian Ocean coastline, contributing to its strategic importance for maritime activities, tourism, and regional trade within Eastern Africa.

## Notable For

- **Historical Maritime Significance**: Connected to the Portuguese Empire's East African trading network
- **Religious Center**: Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malindi (established 2000) and Good News International Ministries (established 2003)
- **Transportation Hub**: Home to Malindi Airport serving regional air travel
- **Coastal Location**: Situated at specific coordinates -3.2194444444444, 40.116666666667 along the Indian Ocean
- **Administrative Importance**: Center within Coast Province and Coastal Kenya region
- **Population Scale**: Urban center with approximately 54,000 residents

## Body

### Geographic Location and Coordinates

Malindi is precisely positioned at latitude -3.2194444444444 and longitude 40.116666666667, placing it along the Indian Ocean coastline in Eastern Africa. The city is situated within Coast Province and forms an integral part of Coastal Kenya, a region characterized by its maritime border with the Indian Ocean and its strategic importance for trade and transportation.

### Administrative Structure

Malindi operates as a city within the administrative framework of Kenya, specifically within Coast Province. The city is part of Coastal Kenya, a geographic region that encompasses the easternmost territory of Kenya along the Indian Ocean. Kenya itself is a sovereign state established in 1963, spanning 581,309 square kilometers and serving as home to approximately 47.56 million people as of 2019.

### Population and Demographics

The city has a population of approximately 54,000 people, representing a significant urban center within Kenya's coastal region. As a human settlement, Malindi provides residential, commercial, and administrative services to its residents and the surrounding areas.

### Historical Context

Malindi's historical significance is closely tied to the Portuguese Empire, which existed from 1415 to 1999. During the era of Portuguese exploration and colonial expansion, East African coastal cities, including those in what is now Kenya, became important nodes in maritime trade networks connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Portuguese Empire's presence in the region left lasting influences on architecture, culture, and trade patterns along the Swahili Coast.

### Transportation Infrastructure

Malindi is served by Malindi Airport, which provides air transportation services connecting the city to other destinations within Kenya and the broader East African region. This transportation infrastructure supports both passenger travel and cargo movement, contributing to Malindi's role as a regional hub.

### Religious Institutions

Malindi holds significant religious importance as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malindi, which was established in 2000. The diocese serves Catholic communities in the region, providing spiritual guidance, educational institutions, and humanitarian services. The presence of the diocese reflects the religious demographics of Kenya, where Christianity constitutes 85-90% of the population, alongside significant Muslim and traditional religious minorities.

Additionally, Malindi serves as the headquarters of Good News International Ministries, a Kenyan religious organization established in 2003. This organization contributes to the city's religious landscape and community development activities.

### Relationship to Kenya's National Context

Malindi exists within the broader context of Kenya, a presidential republic with Nairobi as its capital. Kenya operates under a multi-party system, with William Ruto serving as president since 2022. The official languages are Swahili and English, reflecting the country's colonial history and linguistic diversity.

Kenya's economy, with a nominal GDP of $113.42 billion in 2022, provides the national framework within which Malindi operates. The country's currency is the Kenyan shilling, and Kenya is a member of the United Nations, African Union, Commonwealth of Nations, and World Trade Organization.

### Regional Context: Coastal Kenya

Malindi is part of Coastal Kenya, a region that encompasses the Indian Ocean coastline and adjacent inland areas. This region is characterized by its unique ecosystem, cultural heritage, and economic activities including fishing, tourism, and trade. The coastal location has historically made this region important for maritime activities and continues to support industries such as tourism and seafood processing.

### Digital and Knowledge Representation

Malindi has a Wikipedia article with 56 sitelinks, indicating moderate online visibility and information availability. The Wikidata entry for Malindi describes it simply as "city in Kenya," reflecting its classification as an urban settlement within the country. The city's digital presence supports research, tourism, and business activities related to the area.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GeoNames
5. BBC Things
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File