¡Bienvenidos!
Peru is one of the most fascinating countries in the world, with
astonishing variety in different ecological areas. Only few countries
offer so many climate zones and landscapes.
It is the country of undiscovered rain forests,
the highest mountain ranges and the driest deserts. It is the country of the
mysterious Inca and the passionate salsa,
of Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines and the Celestine Prophecy.
Click image to see a detailed map of Peru
Peru has a rich history and culture
and an interesting variety of people.
In pre-Columbian times, the area of present-day Peru ruled by the Inca,
was the most rich and powerful state in the entire Americas. Now, after
colonialism, war, corruption, guerrillas and terrorism Peru is finally
coming to a positive turning point in
history.
Computer-generated overview of Peru. Click the
image to see a bigger version
The República del Perú has a population of 24,5
million (1996). The country is divided into 24 regions and the
constitutional district of Callao. The capital of the republic is Lima (pop. metropolitan area 6,404,500,
Times Atlas of the World, 1994). Other big cities: Callao (638,000, part of the Lima
metropolitan area), Arequipa
(621,000), Trujillo (509,000), Chiclayo (411,000), Chimbote (296,000), Piura (287,000), Cuzco (258,000) and Huáncayo
(257,000).
Children in Cuzco. Image © Luc Sicard
The official languages are Spanish and Quechua. A recognised regional
language is Aymara. Ethnic division: Indians 45%, mestizos42%, white
10%, black and Asian 3%. About 89% of the population
is Roman Catholic; also various Indian religions. National currency is
the Nuevo Sol (100 céntimos).
For geography and climate, see the Physical
Geography section.
The Andes seen from the coastal plain in
Piura, northern Peru.
Image © Erich Henry Kuball
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