Peru Facts & Figures

Location: Rediscover Machu Picchu > The Inca Civilization > Peru Facts & Figures

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Overview of Peru, as Country

Peru is located in the northwestern part of South America, positioned both in the western and eastern hemispheres, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and with a Pacific coastline of 2.414 km (1,499 mi).

The surface of the country is mostly covered by mountains, part of the Andes. Though, Peru also has lush green valleys, deep rainforests, including a portion of the Amazon in the northeast and the east, and also deserts, as well as flat agricultural areas.

Overall, more than 40 % of Peru's surface is covered by mountains. There are more than 20 peaks above 6.000 m (19,685 ft).

Peru has rich fauna and flora. It is a popular eco tourism destination, ideal for bird watching, Amazon river cruise trips.

The country is also well-known for opportunities offered to hikers. Fantastic landscapes and the famous Inca Trail are all there and waiting for foreign and domestic tourists.

Peru's tourism is primarily fueled by the importance of the many-many attractions located in the in the Cuzco (Cusco), the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Valle Sagrado de Los Incas), Machu Picchu.

Economically, Peru is currently on the rise with one of the highest economic growth rates in the World.

Though, it is regarded as a third World country, Peru has had a remarkable rise. Unfortunately the gap between the rich and the poor (as it is in many other South American countries) still is a problem. Those who benefit most from the growth are the rich and not the lower class.

Flag of Peru and the Inca Flag

These two are often used in parallel. Recently, the Inca flag has become increasingly popular, a very colourful, beautiful flag.

Certainly, the official flag of the country is the one on the left: red, white and red.

Culture, Heritage of Peru

Peru is one of South America's most famous countries with deep historical heritage and an ethnically diverse population, each ethnic group adding to the cultural richness of the country

Peru has a mixed population racially and ethnically consisting mainly of indigenous Quechuan, Aymara, white people, as well as Mestizos.

The Spaniards have colonized the Incas starting with the early 1500s, then this has followed on for hundreds of years. The result was catastrophic to the Incas. The Europeans have brought new values, but for hundreds of years have oppressed the Inca civilization, especially the religious manifestations.

Religiously, Peru is over 89 % Roman Catholic, 6,7 % Evangelical, 2,6 % belonging to other religions and 1,4 % non-religious, also 0,2 % unspecified/undeclared/unaffiliated.

Today Peru is a democracy and is encouraging ethnic diversity. The old Inca rituals, symbols have come out ahead, seemingly gaining popularity.

Fact Sheet of Peru

Our fact sheet presents data, information that you will certainly find useful when planning a trip or even when writing a projects about Peru.

Map of Peru

In order to get an idea of how Peru's geography looks like, we have included this small topographic map.

Lima, the capital is located in the western part, roughly in the middle of the long arid coastline. It is a boasting mega city, a good start out point for any tourist planning to visit any part of the country.

The southeastern part of the country includes most of the attractions why travelers are coming to visit Peru.

By looking on the map, you can imagine that pretty much most of the most interesting parts are located in the southern half of Peru. (Try drawing an imaginary east - west line through Lima.)