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Peru

 Flag of Peru

Map of Peru Last reviewed: 28 July 2011

Country information

Map of Peru

PERU TODAY

Country facts

Full country name: Republic of Peru
Area: 1,285,220 sq km (496,225 sq miles)
Population: 29.46 million (2010 estimate)
Capital city: Lima (population: 9.11 million in metropolitan area, 2010 estimate)
People:  Amerindian (45%), Mestizo (37%), European/White (15%), African, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%
Language(s): Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara, Ashaninka and a number of other native (primarily Amazonian) languages
Religion(s): Roman Catholic (81.3%), Evangelical 12.5%, other 3.3% unspecified or none 2.9% (2007 census)
Currency: Nuevo Sol
Political parties and alliances: Partido Aprista Peruano (APRA), Alianza por el Gran Cambio, Peru Posible (PP), Partido Nacionalista Peruano (PNP), Fuerza 2011, Partido Solidaridad Nacional, Partido Popular Cristiano (PPC), Fuerza Social
Government: Constitutional Republic. The 1993 constitution, approved by referendum, provides for an executive for 5 years. The principal executive body is the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, appointed by the President. A unicameral 120-member Congress is elected at the same time as the President and also sits for 5 years. It is the main legislative branch of government with the President holding a veto. An 18 member Supreme Court based in Lima heads the judicial branch.
Head of State: President Ollanta Humala Tasso(Gana Peru) since 28 July 2011.
Prime Minister: Solomon Lerner Ghitis
Foreign Minister: Rafael Roncagliolo
Membership of international groupings/organisations: Peru holds membership of the UN and various UN organisations; WTO; G-15; G24; G77; Organisation of American States (OAS); Asia Pacific Economic Community (APEC); Andean Community (CAN); Rio Group; Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), Inter-American Developmental Bank (IADB); IMF.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Paddington Bear is from 'deepest, darkest Peru'.
  • Rediscovered in 1911, the Inca city of Machu Picchu celebrates 100 years since its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham. More than 67,000 British tourists visited Peru last year.
  • Peru is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, containing 83 of a possible 103 types of ecological zones. The world's largest rain forest, the Amazon jungle covers half of Peru's total landmass.
  • Peru is one of the world's richest countries in terms of natural resources. Gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, iron and reserves of natural gas and oil can be found across the country.
  • The remains of the largest adobe city in the world are located at Chan Chan in northern Peru.
  • The area around Nasca, famous for its geometric lines, is also home to the highest sand dune in the world (2,078m).
  • The Colca Canyon in southern Peru is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
  • Peru is home to part of the highest navigable lake in the world. Lake Titicaca.
  • Peru produces some of the world's finest chocolate and coffee, and is fast becoming a gastronomic tourist destination. 

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