Country Guide • Peru
Peru is situated in western South America. It is bound by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, Chile to the south east and the Pacific Ocean to the south west.
Official Name | Republic of Peru |
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Area | 1,285,215km² (496,224mile²) |
Population | 28,410,000 |
Continent | South America |
Population per mile² | 57 |
Capital City | Lima |
Religions | 93% Roman Catholic, 5.5% Protestant |
Language | Spanish and Quechua (official), Aymara |
Government | Democracy |
Currency | Nuevo Sol |
GDP | $132 billion |
GDP per Head | $4,800 |
Natural Resources | Copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas |
Land Use | Arable Land 3% |
Agriculture | Coffee, cotton, sugarcane, rice, wheat, potatoes, corn, plantains, cocoa, poultry, beef, dairy products, wool and fish |
Industry | Mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, food processing, cement, auto assembly, steel, shipbuilding, metal fabrication |
Tourism | Peru has some of the most spectacular and varied scenery in South America. The Amazon basin occupies half of Peru and is one of the worlds top 10 places for its ecology. The tropical rainforests are awash with species of every type. Peru offers diversity with its history, archaeology, sports, beaches, mountains, medicinal springs, nature, fantastic landscapes and friendly people |
Natural Hazards | Earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic activity |
Health Risks | Altitude sickness, cholera, hepatitis, malaria (in the lowlands), rabies and typhoid. A yellow fever vaccination is essential if you plan to visit the eastern slopes of the Andes or the Amazonian Basin |
Climate | Peru has a temperate climate along the coast. There is a rainy season from June - October and conditions are cooler in the Andes with the rainy season from October - April while the Selva has a tropical climate with humid and hot conditions from October - March. Average annual rainfall varies from 100 - 150 inches depending on the area. Average temperature ranges in Lima are from 13 to 19°C in August to 19 to 28°C in February |
Time | GMT/UTC-5 hours |
National Days | July 28 |
Visas | Visitors upon arrival are given permission to stay for up to a maximum of 90 days. Extensions for a further 60 days can be obtained |
British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
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