Location and Borders: Peru is located in western South America. It is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Square: The country covers an area of approximately 1.28 million square kilometers.
National Currency: The currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).
Interesting Facts About Peru:
High Literacy Rate: Despite being a developing country, Peru boasts a literacy rate of around 90%. This is partly due to mandatory primary and secondary education.
Surfing Capital: Lima, the capital of Peru, is renowned not only for its architecture and history but also for having some of the best surfing spots in the world.
Rapid Economic Growth: The World Bank ranks Peru as one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with income levels classified as upper-middle class.
Nighttime Security: In Lima, military personnel patrol major streets in armored vehicles at night to curb rampant criminal activity.
Exceptional Service: Peru is known for its high level of service, particularly in luxury hotels and restaurants, with many considering it unmatched anywhere else.
Founding of Lima: The capital was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who defeated the Inca Empire and executed its leaders.
Lima’s Birthday Celebration: Lima’s birthday is celebrated in January and lasts for an entire week with various festivities.
World’s Largest Cuisine: Peru’s traditional cuisine, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records, boasts more than 500 dishes, the most of any country.
Inti Raymi Festival: Inti Raymi is a vibrant festival celebrating the Inca Empire, drawing thousands of tourists to Cusco annually.
Second-Highest Sand Dunes: Peru is home to the world’s second-highest sand dunes. The Cerro Blanco dune rises 1,176 meters above sea level in the Sechura Desert near the Nasca Lines.
Ancient Ruins: Peru has many ancient cities and ruins, with Machu Picchu being the most famous and frequently visited. This Inca citadel, nestled in the Andes, is renowned for its archaeological significance and breathtaking views.
Oldest University: The oldest higher education institution in Latin America, the National University of San Marcos, was founded in 1551.
National Bird: The Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, or “Tunki” in Quechua, is Peru’s national bird. It grows up to 38 cm in length and is noted for its vibrant plumage.
Cocoa Production: Peru produces and exports cocoa beans. “Chocolate” made from pure cocoa butter is available in shops and markets.
Unique Flower: The Puya Raimondii, a plant that blooms only once every 100 years, is native to Peru.
Cultural Gestures: If a Peruvian points to their temple while talking, it doesn’t mean they think you’re crazy. It’s a gesture indicating that the person is thinking.
Historical Medical Case: A woman named Lina, who gave birth via cesarean section in 1939 at the age of five, is still alive in Peru.
Official Languages: Peru has three official languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. In the Amazon jungle to the east of the Andes, 13 other languages are also spoken.
Popular Sports: Football (soccer) and volleyball are widely played throughout Peru and are integral to traditional festivals and celebrations.
Amazonian Biodiversity: Peru’s Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with thousands of plant and animal species.
Historic Sites: The Nazca Lines, a series of large geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, remain one of Peru’s most enigmatic and captivating archaeological sites.
