Helpful and Interesting Information and Facts About Peru

If you are planning a trip to Peru or are just interested in learning more about our country, here are some facts about Peru that may be useful. Included is basic information for travelers as well as information about the government, people and culture of Peru.

1. Peru is the 3^rd largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina.
2. Peru has about 31 million people, about 1/3 of whom live in Lima, the capital, which has about 10 million people.
3. Other major cities in Peru are Cuzco, Trujillo, Arequipa, Tacna, Iquitos, and Puno.
4. The official language of Peru is Spanish, but the constitution recognizes indigenous languages as official in areas where they predominate. About 84% of people in Peru speak Spanish, 13% Quechua, and 2% Aymara. Many other indigenous language are spoken but not by as many people.
5. The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol. Currently 1 U.S. Dollar is worth 3.37 Peruvian Nuevos Soles.
6. The Current President of Peru is Ollanta Humala, who was elected in 2011.
7. Peru became independent from Spain July 28 1821. Independence day is celebrated on that date every year.
8. Peru borders Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia.
9. The Inca Empire which had its capital in Cusco, controlled territory in what is now Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, and Colombia.
10. Machu Picchu has been chosen as one of the new 7 wonders of the world.
11. In Peru voting is mandatory, citizens may be fined for not voting.
12. Lima is home to the oldest university in the Western Hemisphere. San Marcos University, founded in 1551, it still operates today.
13. Peru has more than 90 macro climates and is therefore one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world.
14. Peru has more shamans than any other country in the world except India.
15. Peru received much immigration in the 19^th century. The main countries of origin were Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Croatia, Britain, Japan, and China. In the 1860’s, half of the population of Lima consisted of immigrants from outside of Peru.
16. Cotahuasi Canyon near Arequipa is the deepest canyon in the world. Colca Canyon which is also near Arequipa is the second deepest in Peru and also one of the deepest in the world.
17. Lake Titicaca on the border of Peru and Bolivia is the highest navigable lake in the world. The Uru people who have lived in the area since pre-Inca times and have their own language, live on man-made floating islands on the lake which they made from reeds. They also build houses and other things from the same type of reed.
18. Potatoes originated in what is now Peru and there are more than 3000 varieties are grown in Peru.
19. Peru has the highest sand dune in the world. It is located near the Nazca Lines and is 1176 meters high.
20. Peru catches the second largest amount of fish in the world after China.
21. The Andes are the second highest mountain range in the world after the Himalayas.