Peru – Quick Facts & Cultural Context

Official Name: Republic of Peru
Capital: Lima
Population: ~34.36 million (2025 est.)
Area: ~1,285,215 km²
Currency: Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Time Zone: UTC -5

Geography & Climate
Peru has very diverse geography: Pacific coast, the high Andes, and the Amazon rainforest.

Climate zones:
Coast: Arid to semi-arid
Andes / Sierra: From temperate to cold, with high-altitude variation
Amazon / Jungle:Tropical, hot and humid with high rainfall.

People & Languages
Ethnic composition: Mestizo (~60%), Indigenous (~25–30%), White, African descent, others.
Languages: Spanish is the main language, plus Quechua and Aymara officially, and many other indigenous languages.
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholicism, but with freedom of worship.

History & Culture
Ancient civilizations: Peru was home to the Inca Empire, one of the most powerful pre-Columbian states.
Colonial era: Conquered by Spain in the 16th century; Spanish influence mixed with indigenous traditions.
Modern Peru: Rich cultural fusion – Andean, Spanish colonial, African, Asian influences.

Important traditions
Quechua and Aymara cultures still very present.
Traditional music: charango, quena, zampoña, etc.
Dance: Marinera (courtship dance), huayno in the highlands.
Festivals: e.g., Inti Raymi (Inca Sun Festival) is celebrated in Cusco.

Economy & Natural Resources
Rich in natural resources: gold, silver, copper, zinc, fish, timber, natural gas.
Large portion of the country is rainforest (Amazon), which makes it megadiverse.

Cuisine

Peruvian food is world-renowned for its diversity and fusion
Ceviche: Seafood “cooked” in citrus juice — an iconic Peruvian dish.
Causa Rellena: Layered potato dish, often with chicken, avocado or seafood.
Cuy (guinea pig): Traditional Andean protein in some regions.
Pisco Sour: Classic Peruvian cocktail made with pisco, lime, sugar, and egg white.
Influence: Indigenous, Spanish, African, Asian (especially Chinese and Japanese) culinary traditions blend in Peruvian cuisine.

Biodiversity & Natural Wonders
Peru is one of the most climatically diverse countries: it has around 28 of the world’s 32 climate types.

Natural highlights
The Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Amazon rainforest covering a huge part of its territory.
High Andean landscapes, glaciers, altiplanos.