Mount Meru

Mount Meru, extinct volcano in northeastern Tanzania, about 68 km (42 mi) west of Kilimanjaro. After Kilimanjaro, it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,565 m (14,977 ft). Rain forest and bamboo comprise the major vegetation between 1800 and 2900 m (5900 and 9500 ft) above sea level, which then gives way to alpine grassland. Volcanic soil and heavy rainfall, especially on the southern and eastern slopes support agriculture. Bananas and coffee are the main crops. By contrast, the northwestern and northern slopes of the mountain are barren. The Meru, a Bantu-speaking agricultural people for whom the mountain was named, have long populated the southern and eastern slopes up to 1800 m (5900 ft). Arusha, an important commercial and administrative center, lies at the mountain's southern base.