Peru

Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1824. After a dozen years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems and the growth of a violent insurgency. President Alberto FUJIMORI's election in 1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic turnaround in the economy and significant progress in curtailing guerrilla activity. Nevertheless, the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime, which led to his ouster in 2000. A caretaker government oversaw new elections in the spring of 2001, which ushered in Alejandro TOLEDO as the new head of government - Peru's first democratically elected president of Native American ethnicity. The presidential election of 2006 saw the return of Alan GARCIA who, after a disappointing presidential term from 1985 to 1990, returned to the presidency with promises to improve social conditions and maintain fiscal responsibility.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 28,674,757 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Peruvian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Peruvian

Official Language(s): Spanish, Quechua

Major Languages Spoken: Aymará, Quechua, Spanish

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Peru

Country Name (short form): Peru

Country Name (local long form): Republica del Peru

Country Name (local short form): Peru

Name of Capital: Lima

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Peru: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador

Land Area: 1280000 sq km

Water Area: 5220 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Alaska

Total Land Boundry: 7,461 km

Coastline: 2,414 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

International Phone Code: 51

Currency Code: nuevo sol (PEN)

Internet Country Code: .pe

US Embassy Location: Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17s/n, Surco, Lima 33

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima), APO AA

Services In, and Related to Peru

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