# Peru

> sovereign state in South America

**Wikidata**: [Q419](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q419)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peru)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peru

## Summary

Peru is a country located on the continent of South America [1]. It was established on July 28, 1821 . The capital of Peru is Lima [2]. As of 2023, the population of Peru is approximately 33.7 million people [3]. The country operates on Peru Time, which is UTC−05:00, and uses the America/Lima time zone [4].

## Summary

Peru is a sovereign state located in South America, renowned for its rich cultural heritage stemming from the ancient Inca civilization and its diverse geography spanning coastline, mountains, and Amazon rainforest. It achieved independence from Spain on July 28, 1821, and is currently governed as a presidential republic with its capital in Lima. The country is a member of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Andean Community, among other international organizations.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name:** República del Perú
- **Capital:** Lima (coordinates: lat: -9.4, lon: -76)
- **Independence:** July 28, 1821 (from Spain)
- **Form of Government:** Presidential system
- **Area:** 1,285,216 km²
- **Population:** 33,726,000 (2023 estimate)
- **Official Languages:** Spanish, Aymara, Quechua
- **Currency:** Nuevo sol (since 1991-10-01); previously Peruvian inti (1985-02-01 to 1991-07-01)
- **GDP (Nominal):** $242,631,549,613 (2022)
- **Human Development Index:** 0.762 (2021)
- **Life Expectancy:** 73 years (2022)
- **Coastline:** 3,080 km
- **Highest Point:** Huascarán (6,768 m)
- **Lowest Point:** Depresión de Sechura (-34 m)
- **Timezone:** UTC−05:00 (America/Lima)
- **Driving Side:** Right
- **Mains Voltage:** 220V, 60Hz
- **Telephone Country Code:** +51
- **ISO Codes:** PE (alpha-2), PER (alpha-3), 604 (numeric)
- **Internet Domain:** .pe
- **Unicode Emoji:** 🇵🇪
- **VAT Rate:** 18%
- **Age of Majority:** 18 years
- **Marriageable Age:** 18 years (all genders)

## FAQs

**What are Peru's official languages and what other languages are spoken there?**

Peru has three official languages: Spanish, Aymara, and Quechua. Beyond these, the country recognizes numerous indigenous languages including Amazonic Spanish, Sharanahua, Ticuna, Candoshi-Shapra, Jebero, Pisabo, Aguaruna, Huambisa, and many others spanning multiple language families across the Amazon region.

**What international organizations is Peru a member of?**

Peru is a member of the United Nations (since 1945-10-31), World Trade Organization, Organization of American States (since 1948), Andean Community, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (since 1998-11-14), UNESCO (since 1946-11-21), Interpol (since 1962-09-19), and the International Telecommunication Union (since 1915-07-12), among many others.

**What countries border Peru?**

Peru shares borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile. Historically, it also bordered Gran Colombia until 1831.

**What is Peru's current currency and what was it before?**

Peru's current currency is the Nuevo sol, which has been in use since October 1, 1991. Previously, from February 1, 1985 to July 1, 1991, the country used the Peruvian inti.

**What are the administrative divisions of Peru?**

Peru is divided into 24 departments: Amazonas, Áncash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali, and Lima. Additionally, there is the Constitutional Province of Callao.

**What is the population demographics of Peru?**

As of 2022, Peru has a male population of 16,857,086 and a female population of 17,192,503. The urban population stands at 26,799,750 while rural population is 7,249,838. The birth rate is 17.376 per 1,000 and death rate is 7.505 per 1,000 (both 2022).

**What is Peru's highest and lowest point?**

Peru's highest point is Huascarán at 6,768 meters above sea level. The lowest point is the Depresión de Sechura at -34 meters below sea level.

**What emergency phone numbers does Peru use?**

Peru uses 911 for general emergencies, 105 for police, 116 for fire department, 111 for general emergency services, and 106 and 117 for emergency medical services.

**What is the government structure of Peru?**

Peru operates as a presidential republic with the President serving as both head of state and head of government. The legislative body is the Congress of the Republic of Peru, and the highest judicial authority is the Constitutional Court of Peru.

**What are the main economic indicators for Peru?**

Peru's nominal GDP was $242,631,549,613 in 2022. The Gini coefficient, measuring income inequality, was 43.8 in 2020. The unemployment rate was 4% in 2014, and the VAT rate is 18%.

## Why It Matters

Peru matters as one of the most culturally significant nations in South America, preserving the legacy of the Inca Empire, one of history's most sophisticated civilizations. The archaeological sites of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley attract global tourism, making Peru a major destination for cultural heritage tourism. The country's diverse ecosystems—from the Pacific coast through the Andes to the Amazon rainforest—make it one of the world's most biodiverse nations, hosting numerous endemic species.

Peru's economic significance has grown substantially, with its GDP placing it among the larger economies in Latin America. As a member of the Andean Community and various international organizations, Peru plays a crucial role in regional trade and political cooperation. Its multilingual official recognition (Spanish, Aymara, Quechua) demonstrates commitment to preserving indigenous heritage in ways few nations match.

The country's democratic institutions, while experiencing political instability with multiple presidents in recent years, continue to evolve. Peru's participation in international security organizations like Interpol and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons demonstrates its commitment to global stability. Its strategic location along the Pacific coast, bordering five countries, positions it as a key player in South American geopolitics.

## Notable For

- Home to Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- One of only six countries with three official languages (Spanish, Aymara, Quechua)
- Contains Huascarán, the highest tropical mountain in the world at 6,768 meters
- Hosts the Amazon rainforest, coastal desert, and Andean highlands within its borders
- One of the original members of the United Nations (1945)
- Contains the Depresión de Sechura, one of the lowest points in South America
- Features 24 distinct administrative departments with unique geographic and cultural characteristics
- Recognized as a "free country" by Freedom House's Freedom in the World report
- Contains the Constitutional Province of Callao, Peru's main port city
- Hosts the second-largest concentration of bird species in the world

## Body

### History and Political Development

Peru declared independence from Spain on July 28, 1821, following the Peruvian War of Independence. The country emerged from the Protectorate of San Martín, which preceded formal independence. Since then, Peru has experienced various political periods including democratic governments, military dictatorships, and democratic restorations.

The country operates as a presidential system with the President serving as both head of state and head of government. The legislative body is the Congress of the Republic of Peru, and the highest judicial authority is the Constitutional Court of Peru. Recent political history has seen significant turnover in presidential leadership, with Dina Boluarte assuming office on December 7, 2022, following the removal of Pedro Castillo.

### Geography and Natural Features

Peru spans approximately 1,285,216 square kilometers along South America's western coast. The country encompasses remarkable geographic diversity: the coastal region along the Pacific Ocean (with a coastline of 3,080 km), the Andean mountain range (featuring Huascarán at 6,768 meters, the highest peak in Peru and the highest tropical mountain in the world), and the Amazon rainforest basin in the east.

The lowest point is the Depresión de Sechura at -34 meters below sea level. Water comprises 8.8% of Peru's total area. The country's coordinates are latitude -9.4 and longitude -76. Peru operates on Peru Standard Time (UTC−05:00) in the America/Lima timezone.

### Demographics and Population

As of 2023, Peru's population reached an estimated 33,726,000 people. The population has grown substantially from approximately 9.9 million in 1960. Gender distribution shows 16,857,086 males and 17,192,503 females as of 2022. Urban population stands at 26,799,750 while rural population is 7,249,838, indicating significant urbanization.

The birth rate in 2022 was 17.376 per 1,000 population, while the death rate was 7.505 per 1,000. Life expectancy at birth is 73 years (2022), having fluctuated slightly over recent years—76 years in 2019, 74 years in 2020, 72 years in 2021, and recovering to 73 years in 2022. The total fertility rate was 2.455 (2014), and the suicide rate was 2.7 per 100,000 (2019).

### Economy and Trade

Peru's nominal GDP was $242,631,549,613 in 2022, up from $223,717,791,483 in 2021. The country uses the Nuevo sol as its currency (since 1991), replacing the Peruvian inti. The VAT rate is 18%, and the unemployment rate was 4% in 2014. The Gini coefficient, measuring income inequality, was 43.8 in 2020.

The country is a member of the World Trade Organization and various international financial institutions including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (since 1945), International Development Association (since 1961), International Finance Corporation (since 1956), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (since 1991).

### International Relations and Memberships

Peru maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries including Italy, Brazil, Germany, Australia, Israel, Serbia, United Kingdom, Spain, United States, Holy See, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, China, Malaysia, Paraguay, Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, France, Japan, Uruguay, Sweden, Russia, Greece, North Korea (since December 15, 1988), and Hungary. Relations with Taiwan ended in 1971 after previously existing from 1913.

The country participates in multiple international organizations: United Nations (since October 31, 1945), Union of South American Nations, World Trade Organization, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (since November 14, 1998), Andean Community, Organization of American States (since 1948), UNESCO (since November 21, 1946), Interpol (since September 19, 1962), and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (since April 29, 1997), among others.

### Cultural and Linguistic Heritage

Peru's official languages are Spanish, Aymara, and Quechua, reflecting its indigenous heritage. Beyond these, numerous Amazonian languages are spoken including Sharanahua, Ticuna, Candoshi-Shapra, Jebero, Pisabo, Aguaruna, Huambisa, and many others—demonstrating remarkable linguistic diversity.

The national anthem is the "National Anthem of Peru." The flag of Peru and coat of arms of Peru serve as national symbols. The motto "Firme y feliz por la unión" (Firm and Happy for the Union) reflects national values. The country is also known by various aliases including Republic of Peru, República del Perú, and internationally as 秘鲁 (Chinese), ペルー (Japanese), and Pérou (French).

### Administrative Structure

Peru is divided into 24 departments: Amazonas, Áncash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali, and Lima. The Constitutional Province of Callao serves as the main port and is separate from the Lima Department.

### Infrastructure and Standards

Peru drives on the right side of the road. The mains voltage is 220V at 60Hz, using electrical plugs types NEMA 1-15, NEMA 5-15, and Europlug. The trunk prefix is 0, and licence plates use the code PE (since 1937). The telephone country code is +51.

Emergency services are accessible through multiple numbers: 911 for general emergencies, 105 for police, 116 for fire department, 111 for general emergency, and 106 and 117 for emergency medical services.

### Development Indicators

Peru's Human Development Index (HDI) was 0.762 in 2021, classifying it as a country with high human development. The Inequality-adjusted HDI was 0.635 in 2021. The Democracy Index score was 6.09 in 2021, placing Peru in the "flawed democracy" category. The BTI Governance Index was 5.77 in 2022, and the BTI Status Index was 6.56 in 2022.

### International Identifiers

Peru is identified by multiple international codes: ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code PE, alpha-3 code PER, and numeric code 604. The ITU letter code is PRU, mobile country code is 716, and M49 code is 604. The VIAF ID is 159434034, Library of Congress authority ID is n79055130, Geonames ID is 3932488, and Freebase ID is /m/016wzw. The top-level internet domain is .pe.

### Bordering Nations and Geographic Extremes

Peru borders Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, and Chile to the south. The northernmost point is at latitude -0.03, longitude -75.17. The southernmost point is at latitude -18.352222222222, longitude -70.3775. The easternmost point is at latitude -12.498138888889, longitude -68.652361111111. The westernmost point is at latitude -4.6827777777778, longitude -81.328611111111.

### Notable Historical Events

Peru has participated in the Paquisha War and the Ecuadorian–Peruvian War, both conflicts related to border disputes with Ecuador. The country achieved independence through the Peruvian War of Independence, a key event in South American liberation from Spanish colonial rule.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/peru)
2. [Pedro Castillo fue vacado tras anunciar disolución del Congreso. La República](https://larepublica.pe/politica/pedro-castillo/2022/12/07/pedro-castillo-disuelve-temporalmente-el-congreso-de-la-republica-toque-de-queda/)
3. [José Jerí Oré: el presidente improbable. 2025](https://caretas.pe/home_web/home_principal/jose-jeri-ore-el-presidente-improbable/)
4. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Lima)
5. BnF authorities
6. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2021e/southamerica)
10. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
11. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Americas/PERU)
12. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
13. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/peru)
14. [International Hydrographic Organization](https://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=452&lang=en)
15. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
16. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
17. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=234)
18. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
19. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/peru)
20. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
21. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
22. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
23. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
24. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
25. FIPS 10-4
26. datos.bne.es
27. MusicBrainz
28. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
29. World Bank Open Data
30. [2017 Peru Census](https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1544/Libro.pdf)
31. [Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática](https://www.gob.pe/institucion/inei/noticias/795336-poblacion-peruana-alcanzo-los-33-millones-726-mil-personas-en-el-ano-2023)
32. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
33. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
34. [Source](http://taaladvies.net/taal/aardrijkskundige_namen/land/PE)
35. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
36. masculine singular
37. feminine singular
38. The National Terminology Database for Irish
39. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
40. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
41. [United Nations](https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/70/universal_jurisdiction/peru_s.pdf)
42. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
43. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
44. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
45. BabelNet
46. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)
47. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
48. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
49. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=239)
50. Constitution of Peru