Did You Know Facts About Peru

When considering a trip to the South American continent, Peru should be one of the first destinations on your list. This South American country is home to beautiful Andes mountain-tops, incredible ancient ruins, and bustling city life. With its rich history, exciting culture, and incredible beauty, Peru has something for everyone. Read on to learn about a few curious facts about Peru you might not have known.

Geographical Facts

• Peru is the 19th-largest country in the world, occupying an area of 1,285,216 square kilometers.

• The capital city of Peru is Lima, which has a population of around 8.5 million people.

• Peru is bordered by Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia.

• There are 251 rivers in Peru, making up around 17% of the country’s area.

• The country has three major geographic regions: the coastal plain, the Andes mountains, and the eastern lowlands.

• Peru is home to the world-famous Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, as well as many other ancient ruins.

Biodiversity

• Peru has 28 different climate zones, meaning it has a huge variety of flora and fauna.

• It is home to the world’s second-highest number of bird species, with over 1,800 different species existing in the country.

• Peru is home to some of the world’s most endangered species, such as the Giant Anteater, the Spectacled Bear, and the Andean Cat.

• Around 750 different waterfowl species can be found in Peru.

• Peru also has one of the world’s highest levels of marine wildlife diversity, with over 1,500 species of fish, over 500 species of coral, over 200 species of crustaceans, and over 400 species of mollusks.

History

• Peru was originally populated by a collection of ethnic groups, including the Chachapoyas, the Chimu, and the Incas.

• The Spaniards arrived in Peru in the mid-16th century and promptly began their conquest of the Inca Empire.

• After a long period of Spanish rule, Peru declared its independence from Spain in 1821.

• Peru experienced a period of political instability during the 20th century, but saw a dramatic improvement in the early 21st century when the country embarked on a series of ambitious economic reforms.

• Peru is currently a democratic republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Economy and Trade

• Peru’s main export products are copper, gold, zinc, silver, lead, petroleum, and natural gas.

• The country also exports various manufactured goods such as textiles, electronics, and machinery.

• Peru is a major exporter of agricultural products, including sugar, maize, beans, asparagus, artichokes, quinoa, potatoes, and several types of fruit.

• The country’s major trading partners are the United States, China, and the European Union.

• The Peruvian economy is based on a market-oriented approach and is one of the fastest-growing economies in South America.

Culture

• Peru is home to a variety of cultures, with influences from the pre-Inca civilizations, the Incas, and the Spanish.

• The official language of Peru is Spanish, although there are a variety of other languages spoken in the country, including Quechua and Aymara.

• The traditional clothing of Peru varies depending on the region; for example, people in the Andean region often wear brightly colored ponchos and wide skirts.

• Traditional music and dance are very popular in Peru and vary greatly from region to region; some of the most popular styles are huayno, cumbia, and marinera.

• Some of the most popular foods in Peru are ceviche (raw seafood marinated in citrus juices), lomo saltado (beef stir-fried with onions and peppers), and causa limeña (potato salad with fish or chicken).

• Religion plays an important role in Peruvian culture, with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism being the dominant faiths.

People

• Peru is home to a population estimated to be around 32 million people in 2020, making it one of the largest countries in South America.

• Peru has a diverse population made up of Amerindians, mestizos (people of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry), Europeans, Afro-Peruvians, Asians, and other ethnic groups.

• Peru has a long history of producing some of South America’s most famous writers and poets, including Mario Vargas Llosa, José María Arguedas, and César Vallejo.

• Peruvians are also known for their love of sports, particularly soccer, which is the country’s most popular sport.

These are just a few of the fascinating facts about Peru you may not have known. From its unique geographical features to its diverse cultural elements and notable inhabitants, Peru is a South American nation with plenty of surprises in store. So why not get planning your trip to Peru, and discover some of these amazing facts for yourself?

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