Peru

Gran Sello de la República del Perú

File:United States Navy Band - Marcha Nacional del Perú.ogg File:Marcha de banderas (José Sabas Libornio Ibarra, 1895).ogg

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Moche earrings

Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru, officially the Republic of Peru (Spanish: República del Perú), is a country in western South America. It is bordered in the north by Ecuador and Colombia, in the east by Brazil, in the southeast by Bolivia, in the south by Chile, and in the west by the Pacific Ocean. Peru is a megadiverse country with habitats ranging from the arid plains of the Pacific coastal region to the peaks of the Andes mountains vertically extending from the north to the southeast of the country to the tropical Amazon Basin rainforest featuring the Amazon River. Peru has a population of approximately 32 million, with Lima as both its capital and largest city.

History

Peru's territory was home to the Norte Chico civilization, one of the oldest in the world, and to the Inca Empire, the largest state in Pre-Columbian America. The Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century and established a Viceroyalty that encompassed most of its South American colonies. After achieving independence in 1821, Peru has undergone periods of political unrest and fiscal instability, paving the way for progress and development in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Geography

Peru is divided into 25 regions and the province of Lima, each with its own government. It encompasses all major ecosystems, including 84 of the 117 life zones existing on Earth. This biodiversity is a significant resource for the country's tourism and agriculture sectors.

Economy

Peru's economy is classified as upper middle income by the World Bank and is the 39th largest in the world by total GDP. Peru is one of the world's fastest-growing economies with a GDP growth rate of 2.5%. It has a high Human Development Index of 0.74 and is an active member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Pacific Alliance, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), among others. The main economic activities include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and fishing.

Culture

Peruvian culture is primarily rooted in Amerindian and Spanish traditions, though it has also been influenced by various African, Asian, and European ethnic groups. Peru is known for its diverse culinary traditions, which have received international acclaim. Peruvian literature is recognized thanks to authors such as Mario Vargas Llosa, a Nobel Prize laureate. The country is also known for its music, which includes traditional Andean styles as well as modern dance music.

Demographics

Peru is a multiethnic country formed by the combination of different groups over five centuries. Amerindians, Europeans, Africans, Asians, and others have contributed to the cultural and genetic makeup of the Peruvian population, creating a rich mosaic of cultures, ethnicities, and languages. Spanish is the most widely spoken language, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion.

Tourism

Tourism in Peru makes a significant contribution to the national economy, being one of the main sources of income due to the country's rich historical and archaeological heritage. Machu Picchu, an Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains, is one of the most visited sites, along with the Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon, the Amazon Rainforest, and the vibrant city of Lima with its colonial architecture and sophisticated dining scene.

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