Overview of Peru

Profile

Peru possesses three vastly different natural environments: the arid coastal strip along the Pacific, the towering Andean mountain range with some of the world's highest peaks, and the Amazon rainforest. Characterized by numerous archaeological sites including Inca Empire heritage and rich biodiversity, the country has experienced economic growth in recent years centered on mining and agricultural exports, while strengthening its position as a tourism destination.

Official name

Republic of Peru

Common name

Peru

Numeric code

604

Alpha-3 code

PER

Alpha-2 code

PE

Population

Approximately 34 million (2023)

Population density

Approximately 26 people/km²

Primary languages

Spanish, Quechua, Aymara

Major religions

Catholic, Protestant, Traditional beliefs

National anthem

Himno Nacional del Perú (National Anthem of Peru)

Calling code

+51

Internet TLD

.pe

History

Ancient civilizations, Spanish colonial rule, and independence as a republic, now adopting a constitutional presidential system.

Pre-Columbian cultures such as Chavín, Moche, and Nazca flourished, and in the 15th century, the Inca Empire controlled much of South America. After Spanish conquest in 1532, Peru became the center of continental control as the Viceroyalty of Peru, with gold and silver mining and the mita system significantly impacting indigenous societies. Independence was declared in 1821, and with military support from Bolívar and others, the viceregal army was defeated and the republic established. After the War of the Pacific in the late 19th century and military rule and political turmoil in the 20th century, the Fujimori administration in the 1990s implemented economic reforms and suppressed guerrilla movements. Although corruption and government changes continue into the 21st century, Peru seeks development under democratic constitutional government and a market economy system.

Geography & climate

Three regions run north to south: the arid desert coastal strip (Costa), the snow-capped Andean mountain range (Sierra), and the world's largest tropical rainforest (Selva).

Mix of desert, alpine highland, and tropical rainforest climates

Area

South America / 1285216 km²

Capital

Lima

Largest city

Lima

Coastal status

Yes

Major lakes

Lake Titicaca, Lake Junín, Laguna de Palacios

Bordering countries

Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile

Politics

Government: Presidential constitutional republic

Economy

Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)

GDP (nominal): 268 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 563 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara

Time zone: Peru Time (PET)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Mestizo, Quechua indigenous, Aymara indigenous, European (mainly Spanish and Italian descent), Afro-Peruvian, Japanese descent, Chinese descent, Multiple Amazonian indigenous groups, Arab descent

Life expectancy

Approximately 76.5 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 94.5%

National sports

Soccer, Volleyball, Surfing, Futsal, Marinera dance competition, Sailing

Flag

Emblem