Peru
- Alternate uses: Peru (disambiguation)
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| National motto: Libertad y Orden (Spanish; "Liberty and Order") | ||||
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| Official language | Spanish | |||
| Capital | Lima | |||
| President | Alejandro Toledo Manrique | |||
| Prime Minister | Carlos Ferrero Costa | |||
| Area - Total - % water | Ranked 19th 1,285,220 km² 8.8% | |||
| Population - Total (2002) - Density | Ranked 39th 27,949,639 22/km² | |||
| Independence
- Date | From Spain
July 28, 1822 | |||
| Currency | Sol | |||
| Time zone | UTC -5 | |||
| National anthem | Somos libres, seámoslo siempre (We Are Free, Let Us Remain So Forever) | |||
| Internet TLD | .PE | |||
| Calling Code | 51 | |||
Peru is a country of western South America, bordering the south Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador.
History
Main article: History of Peru
Before the Spanish arrived, Peru was home to the Incan Empire. This was conquered by the 1840s and Peru became a Viceroyalty and a major source of gold and silver for the Spanish Empire. Peru declared independence from Spain on July 28, 1821.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Peru
The current president is Alejandro Toledo, leader of Perú Posible. This governing party is, with 45 seats, the largest in the 120-seat parliament.
The second and third largest parties are in opposition; respectively Partido Aprista Peruano (short: Apra, 28 seats) and Lourdes Flores Nano led Unidad Nacional (17 seats).
Departments
Main article: Departments of Peru
Peru is divided into 24 departments and one constitutional province, Callao. The departments are
Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca,Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, and Ucayali.
Geography
Main article: Geography of Peru
Peru is located in Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador. It also shares borders with Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia.
The western coastal plains (costa) are separated from the eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva) by the high and rugged Andes in center (sierra). On the border with Bolivia lies Lake Titicaca, the worlds highest navigable lake at 3821 [Metre|m].
Economy
Main article: Economy of Peru
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Peru
Culture
Main article: Culture of Peru
| Date | English | Local name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day | Año Nuevo | |
| March-April | Holy Week | Semana Santa | Two days, working holiday |
| May 1 | May Day, Labour Day | Día del Trabajo | |
| June 29 | Saint Peter and Saint Paul | San Pedro y San Pablo | |
| July 28-July 29 | Peruvian Independence Day | Día de la Independencia del Perú | |
| August 30 | Saint Rose of Lima | Santa Rosa de Lima | |
| October 8 | Battle of Angamos | Combate de Angamos | |
| November 1 | All Saints Day | Día de Todos Los Santos | |
| December 8 | Day of the Immaculate Conception | Día de la Inmaculada Concepción | |
| December 25 | Christmas | Navidad |
International rankings
- world-wide press freedom index Rank 36 out of 139 countries (2 way tie)
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in Peru
- Transportation in Peru
- Military of Peru
- Foreign relations of Peru
- List of famous Peruvians