Important Facts and Figures about Peru

General Information about Peru

Peru is located in the central part of South America and borders on the north with Ecuador and Colombia, on the east with Brazil and Bolivia, on the south with Chile and on the west with the Pacific Ocean. The Peruvian territory covers an area of 1,285.216 square kilometers. More than half of the Peruvian population (54.6%) lives on the coast. The Andean region is home to 32%, whereas only 13.4% of the total population lives on the Amazonian plains. Lima is the capital city of the Republic.

South America map

National Flag of Peru

Peruvian coin

View on Miraflores

Beutiful orchid found in the Peruvian jungle

Peru is the third largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina, and ranks among the 20 largest countries in the world. The country's location facilitates the access to markets in Asia and the United States of America, which enables its projection as a linking bridge between markets in South America and Southeast Asia.

Peruvian National, State & War Flag

The Bandera Nacional is the national flag of Peru. It was adopted by the Peruvian government on the 25th of February 1825. Peru's flag is composed of three equal, verticals bands in red, white and red; the colors of the Inca Empire. On the national flag the red symbolizes the bloodshed during the struggle for Peru's independence and the bravery of the men fighting for freedom.

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National Anthem of Peru - Himno Nacional del Perú

Ever heard the National Peruvian Anthem in Quechua? In this article we have two videos (in Spanish & Quechua) and the translation of the lyrics in English. After Peru declared its independence, the general José de San Martín began a public contest to select the National March, which became the "National Anthem of Peru" on the 23rd of September 1821

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Peruvian Currency

Since 1991 the Nuevo Sol is Peru's currency. The International code for the Peruvian currency Nuevo Sol (S/.) is PEN. The Nuevo Sol is subdivided into 100 Centimos. There are banknotes for S/. 10, S/. 20, S/. 50, S/. 100 and S/. 200. Coins have been issued for 5 Centimos, 10 Centimos, 20 Centimos, 50 Centimos, S/. 1, S/. 2 and S/. 5. Nowadays the Nuevo Sol is a quite stable currency with a moderate inflation and has a more or less steady exchange rate with the US Dollar.

For detailed information on all money related topics check out our money section.

Time Zone in Peru

• GMT -5

Telephone Dialling Code for Peru

• + (51)

Internet / Web page abbreviation for Peru

• .pe
• .com.pe

Electricity in Peru

• 230V
• 60Hz

Climate in Peru

• Arid and mild in the coastal area, temperate to frigid in the Andes, warm and humid in the jungle lowlands

Flora and Fauna in Peru

• There are 84 of the world's 103 ecosystems present in Peru
• Peru is under the five most important centres in the world for genetic resources of plants and animals

Geography of Peru (Location, Neighbors, Area, Terrains, Elevations & Hazards)

Peru map

Peru is divided in three main geographical zone: the coast, the mountains and the jungle. Here a picture of the coastal desert stripe.

Peru is divided in three main geographical zone: the coast, the mountains and the jungle. Here a photo of the amazing Andes near Cusco.

Peru is divided in three main geographical zone: the coast, the mountains and the jungle. Here a picture of Peru's amazing jungle area near Puerto Maldonado.

Andean mountain region near Tarma, known as "the Perl of the Andes", around 250km or 5 to 7 hours from Lima

Location of Peru

• Western South America at the Pacific Ocean

Neighboring Countries of Peru

• North: Ecuador (border of 1420 km) and Colombia (border of 1800 km)
• East: Brazil (border of 2995 km) and Bolivia (border of 1075 km)
• South: Chile (border of 171km)
• West: Pacific Ocean (coastline of 2414 km)

Surface Area in Peru (Land & Water)

• Total: 1,285,216 km²
• Land: 1,280,000 km²
• Water: 5,216 km²

Terrain Types in Peru

• 11.7% "Costa" - Western coastal plain with deserts, beautiful beaches and fertile valleys
• 28.4% "Sierra"- Mountainous area dominated by the Andes, where Mount Huascaran rises to 6,768 meters
• 59.9% "Selva"- Eastern lowland jungle of the Amazon basin

Elevation Extremes in Peru

• Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
• Highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m

Natural Hazards in Peru

• Earthquakes
• Tsunamis
• Flooding
• Landslides
• Mild volcanic activity

Government of Peru (Republica del Perú)

The President of Peru (since 2011): Ollanta Humala Tasso (Peruvian Nationalist Party)

Peru's Presidential Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) in Lima

The Justice Palace (Palacio de Justicia) in Lima

The Peruvian Congress Palace (Palacio de Congreso) in Lima

Official country name of Peru

• Republica del Perú

Form of government in Peru

• Constitutional Republic

Capital of Peru

• Lima

Independence of Peru

• 28th July 1821 (from Spain)

Constitution

• 29th December 1993

Legal System in Peru

• Based on a civil law system

Executive branch

• Chief of state: President Ollanta Humala (since 2011)
• Head of government: President Ollanta Humala (since 2011)
• Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and led by the Prime Minister
• Elections: President elected by popular vote for 5 years

Legislative branch

• Unicameral Congress of the Republic of Peru with 130 seats. Members are elected by popular vote for a five year term

Judicial branch

• Supreme Court of Justice. Judges are appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary

Political parties (with seats in the congress)

• Gana Peru (Peru Wins)
• Fuerza 2011 (Force 2011)
• Alianza Electoral Perú Posible (Possible Peru Alliance)
• Alianza por el Gran Cambio (Alliance for the Great Change)
• Alianza Solidaridad Nacional (National Solidarity Alliance)
• Partido Aprista Peruano (American Popular Revolutionary Alliance)

Read more about Peru's political history and todays politics here 

Administrative Divisions

25 regions and the provinces of Peru: Amazonas, Ancash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacuhco, Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Lima Area, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

Main Cities and Main Ports of Peru

The main square in Cusco

Arequipa, Peru's second biggest city

Ayacucho located around 600km from Lima in the mountains

Iquitos located in a beautiful jungle area in the north of Peru

The port of Callao, Lima's gateway to the world

Main Cities of Peru (est. Inei 2013)

• Lima Metropolitana (consisting of the provinces Lima und Callao) 9,585,636 citizens
• Arequipa: 852,807 citizens
• Trujillo 779,873 citizens
• Chiclayo 588,995 citizens
• Iquitos 427,367 citizens
• Piura 424,124 citizens
• Cusco: 413,006 citizens
• Chimbote: 364,599 citizens
• Huancayo: 357,279 citizens
• Tacna: 284,244 citizens
• Juliaca: 260,607 citizens
• Ica: 239,363 citizens
• Pucallpa: 211,611 citizens
• Cajamarca: 211,608 citizens

Main Ports of Peru

• Callao, Paita, Salverry, Chimbote, Pisco, Ilo (on the Pacific)
• Iquitos and Pucallpa (in the Amazon basin)

People & Population in Peru (Ages, Ethnic Groups, Languages & Religions)

Faces of Peru

Faces of Peru

Faces of Peru

The biggest procession in Lima to honor the Señor de Milagros. Faithful believers, mainly dressed in purple tunics, come together to carry the nearly two tons litter, which bears the painting of the Lord of Miracles, on their shoulders during the traditional 24 hour procession from the Church "Las Nazarenas" to the Church "La Merced", singing hymns and praying.

Faces of Peru

Population in Peru (est. Inei 2013)

• Population: 30,475,144
• Projected population: 32,824,358 in 2020. 34,412,393 in 2025, 40,111,000 in 2050
• Population density: 23.7 persons per km²
• Population growth: 1.13%

Population distribution in Peru (est. Inei 2012)

• 54,6% on the coast
• 32,0% in the highlands
• 13,4% in the Amazon basin
• 75.9% in cities
• 24.1% in rural areas

Ages in Peru (Inei 2012)

• 30.5% of the population are 0 to 14 years
• 63.1% of the population are 15 years to 64 years
• 6.4% of the population are 65 and older
• Average age 26.7 years

Ethnic groups in Peru

• 45% indigenous Amerindian
• 37% Mestizo (mixed Native American and white)
• 15% White
• 3% Japanese, Chinese, black and others

Languages in Peru

• Spanish (official)
• Quecha (official)
• Aymara and a large number of indigenous Amazonian languages

Religions in Peru (est. Inei 2012)

• 81.3% Roman Catholics
• 12.5% Evangelical Protestants
• 6.2% unspecified or none

Health and Education in Peru (Health, Diseases, Life, Birth, Death, Rates, Education)

The Peruvian national health insurance company EsSalud operates numerous hospitals around Peru

Private Clinic in Peru

Computers have found their way into Peruvian classrooms

In the provinces the Education Ministry tries to fight analphabetism; even with assuring parols: "Julcamarca soon .... free of analphabetism"

Schooling in the outskirts of Lima

Health and Diseases in Peru (est. Inei 2012)

• Life expectancy total population: 74 years
• Life expectancy of men: 71 years
• Life expectancy of women: 76 years
• Birth rate 19.4 births / 1000 citizens
• Death rate 5.5 deaths / 1000 citizens
• Infant mortality rate 18.6 deaths / 1000 live births
• Malnourished children under 5 years 18.1%

Major Infectious Diseases in Peru

• Food or waterborne diseases: Bacterial, hepatitis A and typhoid fever
• Vector borne disease: Dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever
• Water contact disease: Leptospirosis

Education (Education Ministry 2012)

• Literacy 93.8% of population age 15 and older can read and write
• 85% of Peru's students attend public schools
• 15% of Peru's students attend private schools

Communication and Media (Inei 2013)

• Telephone 29.4%
• Mobile Phones 83.4 %
• Radio 83.0%
• Cable TV 34.3%
• PC at home 31.3%
• Internet connection at home 22.5%

Economy in Peru (GDP, Inflation, Employment, Resources, Industries, Agriculture, Im-Exports)

Business life in Peru

Fishing is an important pillar of Peru's economy

The Peruvian textile industry is an important sector of Peru's economy. In the country the cotton is grown and other fibers produced, spun, weaved, dyed, the fabric and textile manufactured and finally mostly exported.

Agriculture is Peru's most important economic sector. On the one hand most people in the provinces directly live from agriculture while on the other hand Peru is one of the leading exporters of garden produce and fruits.

Peru has around 35 corn varieties. The most popular is the white corn or choclo, but on the markets around the country you find a huge selection.

GDP in Peru (est. IMF 2014)

• GDP (PPP) total: US$370 billion
• GDP (PPP) per capita: US$ 11,797
• GDP (nominal) total: US$ 220 billion
• GDP (nominal) per capita: US$ 7019
• GDP growth rate 6.3% (2012) and 5.5% - 6% (est. for 2014)

GDP composition by sector (est. 2012)

• 6.4% Agriculture
• 36.3% Industry
• 57.3% Services

Inflation Rate in Peru

Inflation rate 3.08% (2013)

Labour and Employment in Peru (Inei 2013)

• Labour Force (14 years and older): 16.2 million
• Urban Unemployment: 6%
• Underemployment:48%

Poverty in Peru (Inei 2012)

• Poverty rate: 25.8%
• Extreme poverty: 6.0%

Natural resources in Peru

Copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, natural gas, hydro-power.

Industries in Peru

Mining and refining of minerals, steel, metal fabrication, petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas, fishing and fish processing, textiles, clothing, food processing.

Agriculture in Peru

Asparagus, coffee, cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, corn, plantains, grapes, oranges, pineapples, guavas, bananas, apples, lemons, pears, coca, tomatoes, mango, barley, medicinal plants, palm oil, marigold, onion, wheat, dry beans; poultry, beef, dairy products, fish, guinea pigs.

Exports from Peru (CIA World Factbook 2012)

• Products: copper, gold, lead, zinc, tin, iron ore, molybdenum, silver, crude petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, coffee, asparagus, and other vegetables, fruits, apparel and textiles, fishmeal, fish, chemicals, fabricated metal products and machinery, alloys
• Mayor partners: China 19,7%, USA 15,5%, Canada 9,4%, Japan 6,5%, Spain 5,2% and Chile 4,8%

Imports to Peru (CIA World Factbook 2012)

• Products:petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, plastics, machinery, vehicles, color TV sets, power shovels, front-end loaders, telephones and telecommunications equipment, iron and steel, wheat, corn, soybean products, paper, cotton, vaccines and medicines
• Major partners: USA 24,4%, China 13,9%, Brazil 6,3%, Argentina 5,4%, Chile 4,7%, Ecuador 4,5%, Colombia 4,2%

Detailed information about Peru's economy can be found in our economy section.

Transport / Infrastructure

Lima's International Airport Jorge Chavez.

The Panamerican Highway leads through whole Peru along the Pacific coast. It connects Peru with Ecuador in the north and Chile in the south as well as being the most important axis connecting the coastal towns.

Unpaved roads, even in dangerous mountainous terrain in the Andes are often the only way to go

The backpackertrain connecting Cusco and Machu Picchu

The Amazon river in Peru's jungle

Airports in Peru

• 201 Total Airports in Peru (2009)
• 57 Airports in Peru with paved runways
• 144 Airports in Peru with unpaved runways (mostly only airstrips)

Railways in Peru

• 1989 km of Railway tracks in Peru (total in 2008)
• 1726 km Railway tracks in Peru with standard gauge
• 263 km Railway tracks in Peru with narrow gauge

Roads in Peru

• 78,829 km of Roads in Peru (total in 2004)
• 11,351 km of paved Roads in Peru
• 67,478 km of unpaved Roads in Peru

Waterways in Peru

• 8808 km of Waterways in Peru (total in 2008)