Time Frame

• In 1967, the Permanent Tripartite Commission for East African Co-operation was formed and was known as the East African Community (EAC). It lasted for 10 years before being dissolved due to political differences. Other agreements were signed over the following years with the intent to make relations between the eastern African countries stronger and more united.
  
  

History

• The treaty for the EAC was signed in November 1999 and became official in July 2000. At that time Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya were the only three members. The Republic of Burundi and the Republic of Rwanda joined the community in 2007.
  
  

Function

• According to the EAC's mission statement, the community works toward a "prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa." This includes cultural, economic, social and political issues that will improve the lives of East African residents.
  
  

Geography

• The five EAC countries are near the eastern coast of Africa, below Sudan and Ethiopia. Together, the countries cover 702,5200 square miles. The collective gross domestic product is $73 billion as of 2009 and the population is 125 million.