Physical Environment: Nyumba

This page is a section of Nyumba.

Physical Map of hjri (Placeholder)

Nyumba is a moderately large country located in eastern Africa. It borders one major body of water: the Indian Ocean and encompasses two others, Lake Turkana and Lake Logipi. The country’s terrain varies from significant  a rift valley, high mountains and arid desert lowlands, as well as coastal plains, with climates ranging from east, tropical to semiarid and in the west, warm desert and arid and humid near the coast.

Measure	Data	Remarks
Land Area (sq miles)		Includes inland water
Land Border (miles)	4,699	Shared with Amari (1,245)
Coastline (miles)		Indian Ocean (1,582), Lake Turkana (627 Miles, 1,010 km), Lake Logipi (43.5 Miles, 70 km)
Highest Elevation (ft)
Lowest Elevation (ft)
Arable (cultivated) Land (%)		Primarily on the eastern coastal plain
Permanent Crops (%)		west
Permanent Pasture (%)		east
Irrigated Land (%)		east

Terrain

Nyumba’s land area is approximately 165,417 square miles in Eastern Africa. It shares 1,245 miles of border with Amari to the south and three bodies of water—the Indian Ocean and Lake Turkana. Additionally, there is a smaller body of water, Lake Logipi just south of Lake Turkana. The country’s varied terrain includes mountainous highlands, high plateaus, deep valleys, lowland plains, and sandy beaches.

Irregular in shape, Nyumba’s long axis runs northwest to southeast. Beginning at the former, Nyumba’s southwest of its border runs parallel North Eastern Rift Valley which encompasses Lake Turkana. Mountain ranges run parallel to Nyumba’s north western border. The mountain ranges vary in elevation, 2,624 feet to it’s approximate highest elevations to 7,217 feet at the peak of Mount Kulal. Progressing eastward from Mount Kulal, the terrain becomes largely flat open desert with elevations ranging approximately 1,500 feet to 2,100 feet. Faza (73 sq miles), Lamu (23 sq miles), and Kiwayu (5 sq miles) Islands lie southeast of the mainland and is the country’s southernmost land mass. The highest point in Nyumba is at 7,497 feet, while the lowest is at sea level on the Indian Ocean coast.

Border Disputes

Geologic surveys estimate that large aquifers around Lake Turkana hold several decades’ worth of water in an area where surface water is scarce. These aquifers will likely become a source of contention between and Amari and Nyumba.

The inability of the Nyumba to protect its maritime economic exclusion zone has led to foreign overfishing in Nyumba’s waters. This has decimated Nyumba’s fisheries.

Bodies of Water

Nyumba’s largest bodies of water are the Indian Ocean to the east and Lake Turkana in the northwest. The country shares maritime borders on the Indian Ocean with Amari, with a deep-water port at Kismaayu and one in development at Lamu.

Lake Turkana is also a major fishing resource, shared between numerous tribes and roughly a quarter of a million people that depend on the lake to survive in this desolate region. It is the fourth largest lake in the region, covering over 2,400 square miles and reaching a depth of approximately 240 feet. Unlike the neighboring Great Lakes, it is alkaline. It is used for fishing, irrigation, watering of livestock and drinking water - despite its alkalinity. The lake is also the subject of occasional disputes, particularly by those living near — or making their living from—the lake.

The only other prominent lake in Nyumba is Lake Logipi. It lies south of Lake Turkana, and like its northern neighbor, is highly alkaline. It has a surface area of around 43 square miles, decreasing during dry seasons. The maximum depth varies, but is rarely deeper than 22 feet.

Nyumba’s major rivers can be grouped into western or eastern, as the central portion of the country is desert and devoid largely of any major perennial rivers. Although lower in dry seasons, the Juba River is navigable by shallow bottom craft. The Turkwell River flows north from Mt. Elgon in Amari to the west-central shoreline of Lake Turkana. The Kiero River (79 miles before becoming intermittent), also flows from the north-central Amari highlands into Lake Turkana. In the east, all rivers drain to the Indian Ocean.  The perennial Juba runs south from Nyumba’s northwest frontier, and Lak Dera runs primarily eastward.  Both merge into the Webi Shabeelle near (___________). Further south, the Tana River (621 miles) is the largest river by flow, and forms a considerable portion of the eastern border between Amari and Nyumba, providing irrigation and hydroelectric power. It is also prone to significant flooding.

Mobility Classification

Movement in Nyumba is less restricted in the central plateau and lowland plains than in other regions. However, the numerous perennial and intermittent rivers scattered throughout central and eastern plateaus and lowland plains can restrict movement, especially in rainy seasons. Steep escarpments separate the North Eastern Rift Valley from its surrounding terrain; the valley contains five dormant volcanoes. While forests and steep terrain hamper movement near Mount Kulal the central plateau plains and coastal plains offer less restrictions aside from perineal rivers. Mountainous terrain and rough roads make it hard to transport troops and equipment overland in western Nyumba. Multiple rivers and streams—especially in the eastern half to the country—also challenge mechanized and motorized movement particularly during rainy seasons. Roads can become flooded during the rainy season, making them impassable. These rains also greatly affect visibility for reconnaissance and air operations. Foot movement is also limited in the eastern highlands by the negative effects of the high altitudes.

Natural Hazards

Both natural disasters and manmade hazards exist in Amari. Natural disasters include flooding, earthquakes, limited volcanic activity in the Rift Valleys, landslides, windstorms, and hailstorms. Frequent droughts, including one ongoing for the past two years, can lead to famine. Violent thunderstorms with gusty winds are common on and around Lake Victoria. Water pollution is an issue, caused by urban waste, industrial waste, and contamination by pesticides and fertilizer. Overharvesting of trees for fuel led to significant deforestation and in turn soil erosion and desertification, especially in the eastern lowlands. Unexploded ordnance, including landmines, can be found in previous conflict zones. Dangerous indigenous wildlife include disease-carrying mosquitoes and tsetse flies, as well as more traditional threats: big cats (e.g., lions), crocodiles, elephants, gorillas, hippopotamuses, hyenas, rhinoceroses, warthogs, and wild dogs.

Subterranean Environment

The Amarian government has developed some underground facilities (UGFs), including structures to protect vital space program assets, bunkers for ammunition, and underground/hardened command posts. Subterranean systems used by criminal actors consist primarily of tunnels located on main smuggling routes, usually crossing the Amari-Kujenga border east of Lake Victoria. It is relatively easy to cross international borders in the region without detection, so tunnels are minimal in number and concentrated along routes more frequently patrolled by government forces. Insurgent use of such systems is minimal except in and around the Tanga region of Kujenga, where tunnels and underground rooms are used to avoid detection by local authorities. Natural caves are found throughout the country and in the Tanga region, and are used by criminals, insurgents, and local citizens alike.

Vegetation

Vegetation in Amari varies by topographical region. The Western Rift Valley and most of the western plateau consist primarily of savanna, with some forests in the swampy areas of the far southwest. The central highlands and Eastern Rift Valley contain most of the country’s forests, giving way to savanna in the far north and the east. The highest elevations are host to glaciers. The eastern lowlands are primarily grassland or desert scrub. The coastal plains have both grasslands and forested areas; mangrove forests grow on the coastline. Trees found in the country include both deciduous and evergreen, including species such as acacia, bamboo, baobob, cacti, candelabra, cedar, euphorbia, giant lobelia, groundsel, heath, miombo, papyrus, and podo.

Agriculture

Amarian agriculture employs 60% of the labor force full-time and an additional 15% part-time, producing 30% of the national GDP. The western region plays a very important role in this sector. Over one-third of Amari’s land is arable. Most farming takes place in the highlands or on the western plateau; much of the remainder of the country is either used for pasture or covered with forests or scrub vegetation. Due to reasonable rainfall, most irrigation in the country occurs in the drier eastern region. Crops produced in Amari include bananas, beans, beets, cabbages, carrots, cashews, cassava, citrus fruit, cocoa, coconut, coffee, corn, cotton, flowers, fruit, groundnuts, khale, legumes, mango, millet, oats, onions, palms (oil), peppers, pineapple, plantains, potatoes, pyrethrum, rice, sisal, sorghum, soybeans, sugarcane, sweet potato, tea, tobacco, tomatoes, turnips, vegetables, and wheat. Of these, cashews, coffee, cotton, cut flowers, pyrethrum, sisal, and tea are exported. Despite the large agricultural economy, the country does not grow enough cereal grains to feed its populace.

Livestock and Wildlife

Amarians have considerable livestock, especially in the drier regions where crop cultivation is more difficult. Common domesticated animals include bees, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry. The country also boasts multiple types of wildlife, including aardvark, African buffalo, numerous different kinds of antelope, several species of big cat (cheetah, leopard, lion, wildcat), bush baby, crocodile, elephant, giraffe, hippopotamus, hyena, hyrax, mongoose, many types of primate (baboon, chimpanzee, gorilla, monkey), rhinoceros, warthog, wild dog, and zebra. While some of these species are only found in national parks and game reserves in Amari, others are more widespread. Many of these species are endangered and protected by Amarian law. Poaching is a continuing problem, with elephants and rhinoceroses being the most common targets. A couple of Amari’s game reserves are shared by Nyumba to the north and at times have been a source of contention because of the lack of national security forces in the parks, ivory smuggling, big game poaching, and drug trafficking occur through the border preserves.

Climate and Weather

Amari has a widely varied climate depending on location and altitude. The Western Rift Valley and western plateau experience a tropical wet and dry climate defined by rainy and dry seasons. The central highlands and Eastern Rift Valley are temperate (highland climate), with the highest peaks experiencing a sub-alpine climate. The far-eastern central highlands and the eastern lowlands are primarily semiarid. The coastal plains are tropical, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.

Seasons

Amari’s seasons center around the long rains and the short rains, which alternate with two distinct dry seasons. Most of the country experiences the long rains from approximately March through May, the short rains during September through December, and intervening dry seasons in June through August and January through February. In the central highlands, the two rains merge into one long rainy season from March through December, with a single dry season during January through March. The hottest months are January through March, while the coolest are July through August. Temperatures usually vary more from day to night than from season to season.

Seasons for Ariana, Atropia, Gorgas, Limaria, and North Caucasus (Donovia)

Country/Season	Months	Remarks
Long Rains	March–May
Dry	June–September	continued rain in the central highlands
Short Rains	October–December
Dry	January–February

Precipitation

Precipitation in Amari varies primarily by season and latitude. Though usually taking the form of rain, snow is possible at extremely high elevations. Precipitation generally increases from north to south and with altitude. Most of the country receives 40–60 inches of precipitation per year, with some areas in the two Rift Valleys and around Lake Victoria receiving 60–80 inches. The eastern lowlands are by far the driest regions of the country, receiving only 10-40 inches annually, while the coastal plains receive 40–80 inches.

Temperature-Heat Index

Monthly average high temperatures in Amari vary with elevation. Most of the country enjoys highs between 70–85°F, with the extreme elevations—above 8,000 feet—being cooler than this. Average highs in the eastern lowlands, the coastal plains, and the far north are hotter, ranging from 80–100°F. The combination of high temperatures and moderate to high relative humidity can quickly lead to both dehydration and heat exhaustion in the regions with lower altitudes.

Temperature-Wind Chill Index

Monthly average low temperatures in the highlands and plateau fall in the 40–55°F range, though lower temperatures can occur. The lowlands are warmer than this, while elevations over 8,000 feet may experience sub-zero temperatures and snow. The highest peaks in the country possesses a permanent snow cap. Cold and wind chill will not be an issue in the lower elevations, but can affect troops operating in the highlands.

Relative Humidity

Relative humidity in Amari is moderate to high in most regions. Average annual humidity in the Western Rift Valley and western plateau usually ranges from 65–80%, with level in the north and east being lower. Levels in the central highlands and Eastern Rift Valley average 55–70%, with higher altitudes experiencing higher relative humidity and vice versa. Averages in the eastern lowlands are also 55–70%, while those in the coastal plains are 65–80%.

Wind

Wind patterns change with the seasons in Amari and are associated with the dry seasons. The Kuzi monsoon winds blow from the southeast and peaks during the months of June through August. The winds then shift to the gentler northeast Kaskazi, which peak from December through March. Average wind speeds are less than 15 mph throughout most of the country. Though calmer when transitioning during the rainy seasons, the winds are strong enough to develop wind energy in certain areas. Thunderstorms with gusty winds are a frequent occurrence around Lake Victoria.

Summary

Amari’s terrain varies from rocky highland areas to flat lowland plains. The country’s rugged highlands create an obstacle for regional communication and make transport difficult. Natural disasters such as flood and drought will complicate missions. Troops must deal with extreme temperatures in the eastern lowlands, and high altitudes in parts of the central highlands. The spring-like weather in large portions of the highlands and western plateau will facilitate operations and maneuverability, as will the ease of mobility in the eastern lowlands.