Peru
Republic of Peru
South America Lima
Population
32.77M
Area
1,285,216 km²
GDP
$289.22B
GDP Per Capita
$15,700
Pop. Density
25/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
S/ Peruvian sol(PEN)
Calling Code
+51
Timezone
UTC-05:00
Languages
Aymara, Quechua, Spanish
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Peruvian
Background
Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peru declared its independence in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces were 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, an economic slump and the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian measures in the late 1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime, which led to his resignation in 2000.
A caretaker government oversaw a new election in 2001 that installed Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique as the new head of government - Peru's first democratically elected president of indigenous ethnicity. The presidential election of 2006 saw the return of Alan GARCIA Perez who, after a disappointing presidential term from 1985 to 1990, presided over a robust economic rebound. Former army officer Ollanta HUMALA Tasso was elected president in 2011 and carried on the market-oriented economic policies of the three preceding administrations. Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard won a very narrow runoff in the 2016 presidential election. Facing impeachment after evidence surfaced of his involvement in a vote-buying scandal, KUCZYNSKI offered his resignation in 2018, and First Vice President Martin Alberto VIZCARRA Cornejo was sworn in as president. In 2019, VIZCARRA invoked his constitutional authority to dissolve Peru's Congress after months of battling with the body over anticorruption reforms. New congressional elections in 2020 resulted in an opposition-led legislature. The Congress impeached VIZCARRA for a second time and removed him from office after accusations of corruption and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of vacancies in the vice-presidential positions, the President of the Peruvian Congress, Manuel MERINO, became the next president. His ascension to office was not well received, and large protests forced his resignation later in 2020. Francisco SAGASTI assumed the position of President of Peru after being appointed President of the Congress the previous day. Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones won presidential election in 2021 but was impeached and ousted the following year; his vice president, Dina BOLUARTE, assumed the presidency by constitutional succession in 2022.
A caretaker government oversaw a new election in 2001 that installed Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique as the new head of government - Peru's first democratically elected president of indigenous ethnicity. The presidential election of 2006 saw the return of Alan GARCIA Perez who, after a disappointing presidential term from 1985 to 1990, presided over a robust economic rebound. Former army officer Ollanta HUMALA Tasso was elected president in 2011 and carried on the market-oriented economic policies of the three preceding administrations. Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard won a very narrow runoff in the 2016 presidential election. Facing impeachment after evidence surfaced of his involvement in a vote-buying scandal, KUCZYNSKI offered his resignation in 2018, and First Vice President Martin Alberto VIZCARRA Cornejo was sworn in as president. In 2019, VIZCARRA invoked his constitutional authority to dissolve Peru's Congress after months of battling with the body over anticorruption reforms. New congressional elections in 2020 resulted in an opposition-led legislature. The Congress impeached VIZCARRA for a second time and removed him from office after accusations of corruption and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of vacancies in the vice-presidential positions, the President of the Peruvian Congress, Manuel MERINO, became the next president. His ascension to office was not well received, and large protests forced his resignation later in 2020. Francisco SAGASTI assumed the position of President of Peru after being appointed President of the Congress the previous day. Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones won presidential election in 2021 but was impeached and ousted the following year; his vice president, Dina BOLUARTE, assumed the presidency by constitutional succession in 2022.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑226.3% since 2006$89B (2006)$289B (2024)
Population
↑20.8% since 200628.3M (2006)34.2M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 77.7 years2006: 72.3 years2023: 77.7 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography21
Location
Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador
Geographic coordinates
10 00 S, 76 00 W
Map references
South America
Area
total : 1,285,216 sq km
land: 1,279,996 sq km
water: 5,220 sq km
land: 1,279,996 sq km
water: 5,220 sq km
Area - comparative
almost twice the size of Texas; slightly smaller than Alaska
Land boundaries
total: 7,062 km
border countries: Bolivia 1,212 km; Brazil 2,659 km; Chile 168 km; Colombia 1,494 km; Ecuador 1,529 km
border countries: Bolivia 1,212 km; Brazil 2,659 km; Chile 168 km; Colombia 1,494 km; Ecuador 1,529 km
Coastline
2,414 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 200 nm; note: the US does not recognize this claim
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
Climate
varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate to frigid in Andes
Terrain
western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)
Elevation
highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,746 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 1,555 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 1,555 m
Natural resources
copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas
Land use
agricultural land
19.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 3.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 14.2% (2023 est.)
forest
52.9% (2023 est.)
other
28% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
25,800 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lago Titicaca (shared with Bolivia) - 8,030 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Amazon river source (shared with Brazil [m]) - 6,400 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km)
Major aquifers
Amazon Basin
Population distribution
approximately one third of the population resides along the desert coastal belt in the west, with a strong focus on the capital city of Lima; the Andean highlands, or sierra, contain roughly half of the population; the eastern slopes of the Andes and adjoining rainforest are sparsely populated
Natural hazards
earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic activity
volcanism: volcanic activity in the Andes Mountains; Ubinas (5,672 m) is the country's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes include El Misti, Huaynaputina, Sabancaya, and Yucamane; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
volcanism: volcanic activity in the Andes Mountains; Ubinas (5,672 m) is the country's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes include El Misti, Huaynaputina, Sabancaya, and Yucamane; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
Geography - note
note 1: shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316-m (17,441-ft) peak, is the ultimate source of the Amazon River
note 2: Peru is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes
note 3: on 19 February 1600, Mount Huaynaputina in the southern Peruvian Andes erupted in the largest volcanic explosion in South America in historical times; intermittent eruptions lasted until 5 March 1600 and pumped an estimated 16 to 32 million metric tons of particulates into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the earth's surface and affecting weather worldwide; over the next two-and-a-half years, millions died around the globe in famines from bitterly cold winters, cool summers, and the loss of crops and animals
note 2: Peru is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes
note 3: on 19 February 1600, Mount Huaynaputina in the southern Peruvian Andes erupted in the largest volcanic explosion in South America in historical times; intermittent eruptions lasted until 5 March 1600 and pumped an estimated 16 to 32 million metric tons of particulates into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the earth's surface and affecting weather worldwide; over the next two-and-a-half years, millions died around the globe in famines from bitterly cold winters, cool summers, and the loss of crops and animals
People & Society36
Population
total: 32,768,614 (2025 est.)
male: 16,016,448
female: 16,752,166
male: 16,016,448
female: 16,752,166
Nationality
noun: Peruvian(s)
adjective: Peruvian
adjective: Peruvian
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White) 60.2%, Indigenous 25.8%, White 5.9%, African descent 3.6%, other (includes Chinese and Japanese descent) 1.2%, unspecified 3.3% (2017 est.)
Languages
Languages: Spanish (official) 82.9%, Quechua (official) 13.6%, Aymara (official) 1.6%, Ashaninka 0.3%, other native languages (includes many minor Amazonian languages) 0.8%, other 0.2%, none 0.1%, unspecified 0.7% (2017 est.)
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Catholic 76%, Evangelical Christian 15.7%, no religion 5.1%, other religions 3.2% (2017 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 25.8% (male 4,293,229/female 4,119,269)
15-64 years: 66.2% (male 10,546,502/female 11,041,106)
65 years and over: 8% (2024 est.) (male 1,112,825/female 1,487,318)
15-64 years: 66.2% (male 10,546,502/female 11,041,106)
65 years and over: 8% (2024 est.) (male 1,112,825/female 1,487,318)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 50.4 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 38.4 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 12 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.3 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 38.4 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 12 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.3 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 30.4 years (2025 est.)
male: 29.1 years
female: 31.3 years
male: 29.1 years
female: 31.3 years
Population growth rate
0.55% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
16.43 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
9.79 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-1.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
approximately one third of the population resides along the desert coastal belt in the west, with a strong focus on the capital city of Lima; the Andean highlands, or sierra, contain roughly half of the population; the eastern slopes of the Andes and adjoining rainforest are sparsely populated
Urbanization
urban population: 78.9% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
11.204 million LIMA (capital), 959,000 Arequipa, 904,000 Trujillo (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.9 years (2013 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
51 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 10.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 68.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 65.4 years
female: 72.7 years
male: 65.4 years
female: 72.7 years
Total fertility rate
2.12 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.04 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 97.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 84.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 94.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 2.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 15.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 5.2% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.69 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
1.6 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 94.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 65.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 88.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 5.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 34.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 11.9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.7% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 5.74 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.26 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.26 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 5.7% (2025 est.)
male: 9.5% (2025 est.)
female: 2.1% (2025 est.)
male: 9.5% (2025 est.)
female: 2.1% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
2.7% (2023 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
52.7% (2022 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 2% (2020)
women married by age 18: 14.1% (2020)
women married by age 18: 14.1% (2020)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 4.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 19.2% national budget (2024 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 19.2% national budget (2024 est.)
Literacy
total population: 93.7% (2024 est.)
male: 97% (2024 est.)
female: 90.7% (2024 est.)
male: 97% (2024 est.)
female: 90.7% (2024 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2017 est.)
male: 15 years (2017 est.)
female: 15 years (2017 est.)
male: 15 years (2017 est.)
female: 15 years (2017 est.)
Government23
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Peru
conventional short form: Peru
local long form: República del Perú
local short form: Perú
etymology: the name may derive from the Guarani word biru, meaning "river"
conventional short form: Peru
local long form: República del Perú
local short form: Perú
etymology: the name may derive from the Guarani word biru, meaning "river"
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Lima
geographic coordinates: 12 03 S, 77 03 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name is an early Spanish mispronunciation of the Quechua name Rimak, referring to a god and deriving from the word rima (to speak); Quechua priests used to speak to worshippers from inside statues of their gods
geographic coordinates: 12 03 S, 77 03 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name is an early Spanish mispronunciation of the Quechua name Rimak, referring to a god and deriving from the word rima (to speak); Quechua priests used to speak to worshippers from inside statues of their gods
Administrative divisions
24 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento), 1 province* (provincia), and 1 constitutional province** (provincia constitucional); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao**, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Lima*, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali
Legal system
civil law system
Constitution
history: several previous; latest promulgated 29 December 1993, enacted 31 December 1993
amendment process: proposed by Congress, by the president of the republic with the approval of the Council of Ministers or by petition of at least 0.3% of voters; passage requires absolute majority approval by the Congress membership, followed by approval in a referendum; a referendum is not required if Congress approves the amendment by greater than two-thirds majority vote in each of two successive sessions
amendment process: proposed by Congress, by the president of the republic with the approval of the Council of Ministers or by petition of at least 0.3% of voters; passage requires absolute majority approval by the Congress membership, followed by approval in a referendum; a referendum is not required if Congress approves the amendment by greater than two-thirds majority vote in each of two successive sessions
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 2 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 2 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 70
Executive branch
chief of state
President José Enrique JERÍ Oré (since 10 October 2025)
head of government
President José Enrique JERÍ Oré (since 10 October 2025)
cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process
president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for nonconsecutive terms)
most recent election date
11 April 2021, with a runoff on 6 June 2021
election results
2021: Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones (PL) 18.9%, Keiko Sofia FUJIMORI Higuchi (FP) 13.4%, Rafael LOPEZ ALIAGA Cazorla (RP) 11.8%, Hernando DE SOTO Polar (Social Integration Party) 11.6%, Yonhy LESCANO Ancieta (AP) 9.1%, Veronika MENDOZA Frisch (JP) 7.9%, Cesar ACUNA Peralta (APP) 6%, George FORSYTH Sommer (VN) 5.7%, Daniel Belizario URRESTI Elera (PP) 5.6%, other 10%; percent of vote second round - Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones 50.1%, Keiko Sofia FUJIMORI Higuchi 49.9%
2016: Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Keiko FUJIMORI Higuchi (FP) 39.9%, Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard (PPK) 21.1%, Veronika MENDOZA (FA) 18.7%, Alfredo BARNECHEA (AP) 7%, Alan GARCIA (APRA) 5.8%, other 7.5%; percent of vote in second round - Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard 50.1%, Keiko FUJIMORI Higuchi 49.9%
expected date of next election
12 April 2026
Legislative branch
legislature name
Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la República)
legislative structure
unicameral
number of seats
130 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
4/11/2021
parties elected and seats per party
Free Peru (PL) (37); Popular Force (FP) (24); Popular Action (AP) (16); Alliance for Progress (APP) (15); Go on Country - Social Integration Party (AvP) (10); Popular Renewal (RP) (9); We Are Peru" (SP) - Purple Party (PM) (9); Other (10)
percentage of women in chamber
41.5%
expected date of next election
April 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 16 judges and divided into civil, criminal, and constitutional-social sectors)
judge selection and term of office: justices proposed by the National Board of Justice (a 7-member independent body), nominated by the president, and confirmed by the Congress; justices can serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Constitutional Guarantees; Superior Courts or Cortes Superiores; specialized civil, criminal, and mixed courts; 2 types of peace courts in which professional judges and selected members of the local communities preside
judge selection and term of office: justices proposed by the National Board of Justice (a 7-member independent body), nominated by the president, and confirmed by the Congress; justices can serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Constitutional Guarantees; Superior Courts or Cortes Superiores; specialized civil, criminal, and mixed courts; 2 types of peace courts in which professional judges and selected members of the local communities preside
Political parties
Advance the Nation (Avanza País) or AvP
Alliance for Progress (Alianza para el Progreso) or APP
Broad Front (Frente Amplio) or FA
Free Peru (Perú Libre) or PL
Front for Hope (Frente Esperanza)
Magisterial Block of National Concentration (Bloque Magisterial de Concertación Nacional) or BMCN
National Victory (Victoria Nacional) or VN
Peru Bicentennial (Perú Bicentenario) or PB
Popular Action (Acción Popular) or AP
Popular Force (Fuerza Popular) or FP
Popular Renewal (Renovación Popular) or RP
Purple Party (Partido Morado)
Social Integration Party (Avanza País - Partido de Integración Social)
Together For Perú (Juntos por el Peru) or JP
We Are Peru (Somos Perú) of SP
We Can Peru (Podemos Perú) or PP
Alliance for Progress (Alianza para el Progreso) or APP
Broad Front (Frente Amplio) or FA
Free Peru (Perú Libre) or PL
Front for Hope (Frente Esperanza)
Magisterial Block of National Concentration (Bloque Magisterial de Concertación Nacional) or BMCN
National Victory (Victoria Nacional) or VN
Peru Bicentennial (Perú Bicentenario) or PB
Popular Action (Acción Popular) or AP
Popular Force (Fuerza Popular) or FP
Popular Renewal (Renovación Popular) or RP
Purple Party (Partido Morado)
Social Integration Party (Avanza País - Partido de Integración Social)
Together For Perú (Juntos por el Peru) or JP
We Are Peru (Somos Perú) of SP
We Can Peru (Podemos Perú) or PP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Alfredo Santiago Carlos FERRERO DIEZ CANSECO (since 27 February 2024)
chancery
1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone
[1] (202) 833-9860
FAX
[1] (202) 659-8124
email address and website
[email protected]
Embassy of Peru in the United States - E-United States - Platform of the Peruvian State (www.gob.pe)
consulate(s) general
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hartford (CT), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (NJ), San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador-designate Bernardo NAVARRO; Chargé d’Affaires Joan PERKINS (since 18 April 2025)
embassy
Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17 s/n, Surco, Lima 33
mailing address
3230 Lima Place, Washington DC 20521-3230
telephone
[51] (1) 618-2000
FAX
[51] (1) 618-2724
email address and website
International organization participation
AIIB, APEC, BIS, CAN, CD, CELAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance, PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
28 July 1821 (from Spain)
National holiday
Independence Day, 28-29 July (1821)
Flag
description: three equal vertical bands of red (left side), white, and red, with the coat of arms centered on the white band; the coat of arms has a shield with a vicuna, a cinchona tree, and a yellow cornucopia spilling out coins
meaning: the vicuna represents fauna, the cinchona tree is the source of quinine, and the cornucopia symbolizes mineral wealth; red stands for blood shed for independence, and white for peace
meaning: the vicuna represents fauna, the cinchona tree is the source of quinine, and the cornucopia symbolizes mineral wealth; red stands for blood shed for independence, and white for peace
National symbol(s)
vicuna (a camelid related to the llama)
National color(s)
red, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Himno Nacional del Peru" (National Anthem of Peru)
lyrics/music: Jose DE LA TORRE Ugarte/Jose Bernardo ALZEDO
history: adopted 1821
lyrics/music: Jose DE LA TORRE Ugarte/Jose Bernardo ALZEDO
history: adopted 1821
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 13 (9 cultural, 2 natural, 2 mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Cuzco (c); Machu Picchu (m); Chavin (c); Historic Lima (c); Huascarán National Park (n); Chan Chan (c); Manú National Park (n); Lines and Geoglyphs of Nazca (c); Rio Abiseo National Park (m); Historic Arequipa (c); Sacred City of Caral-Supe (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Cuzco (c); Machu Picchu (m); Chavin (c); Historic Lima (c); Huascarán National Park (n); Chan Chan (c); Manú National Park (n); Lines and Geoglyphs of Nazca (c); Rio Abiseo National Park (m); Historic Arequipa (c); Sacred City of Caral-Supe (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c)
Economy32
Economic overview
upper-middle-income South American economy; strong post-COVID rebound tempered by political uncertainty and climate risks; exports driven by mineral extraction and agriculture; large informal sector and uneven access to public services; stable fiscal position and financial sector
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $535.911 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $518.771 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $520.872 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $518.771 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $520.872 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 3.3% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: -0.4% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 2.8% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: -0.4% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 2.8% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $15,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $15,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $15,600 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $15,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $15,600 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$289.222 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 2% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 6.5% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 8.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 6.5% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 8.3% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 6.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 32.2% (2024 est.)
services: 52.7% (2024 est.)
industry: 32.2% (2024 est.)
services: 52.7% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
61.6% (2024 est.)
government consumption
13.4% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
20.8% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
-1.4% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
28.5% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-22.9% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, potatoes, rice, bananas, milk, maize, chicken, oil palm fruit, cassava, grapes (2023)
Industries
mining and refining of minerals; steel, metal fabrication; petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas and natural gas liquefaction; fishing and fish processing, cement, glass, textiles, clothing, food processing, beer, soft drinks, rubber, machinery, electrical machinery, chemicals, furniture
Industrial production growth rate
3.1% (2024 est.)
Labor force
18.918 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 4.9% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 4.9% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 3.9% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 4.9% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 3.9% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 8.8% (2024 est.)
male: 7.9% (2024 est.)
female: 9.8% (2024 est.)
male: 7.9% (2024 est.)
female: 9.8% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
27.5% (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 40.7 (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 26.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 2.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 2.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 30.6% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 30.6% (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 1.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 1.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
revenues: $48.003 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures: $55.34 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures: $55.34 billion (2021 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2021: 35.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
15.9% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $6.39 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $881.934 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$9.972 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $881.934 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$9.972 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $83.325 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $72.97 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $71.39 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $72.97 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $71.39 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
China 34%, USA 14%, Canada 5%, India 4%, Switzerland 4% (2023)
Exports - commodities
copper ore, gold, refined copper, refined petroleum, grapes (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $67.16 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $63.776 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $69.936 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $63.776 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $69.936 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
China 26%, USA 21%, Brazil 7%, Argentina 5%, Mexico 3% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, cars, trucks, broadcasting equipment (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $79.246 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $71.394 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $72.328 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $71.394 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $72.328 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $38.102 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
nuevo sol (PEN) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2023
3.744 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
3.835 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
3.881 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
3.495 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019
3.337 (2019 est.)
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 96.2% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 99%
electrification - rural areas: 85.1%
electrification - urban areas: 99%
electrification - rural areas: 85.1%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 16.164 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 53.3 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 47.696 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 6.638 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 53.3 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 47.696 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 6.638 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 44.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 49.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 49.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 1.382 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 973,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 1.261 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 446,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.567 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 973,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 1.261 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 446,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.567 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 118,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 255,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 858.89 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 255,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 858.89 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 14.647 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 9.675 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 4.883 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 300.159 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 9.675 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 4.883 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 300.159 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 30.923 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.504 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 42.6 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 125 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 125 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
10 major TV networks of which only one, Television Nacional de Peru, is state owned; multi-channel cable TV services are available; in excess of 5,000 radio stations including a substantial number of local-language stations (2021)
Internet country code
.pe
Internet users
percent of population: 80% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 3.53 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
OB
Airports
174 (2025)
Heliports
7 (2025)
Railways
total: 1,854.4 km (2017)
standard gauge: 1,730.4 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (34 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 124 km (2014) 0.914-m gauge
standard gauge: 1,730.4 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (34 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 124 km (2014) 0.914-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 111 (2023)
by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 9, other 101
by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 9, other 101
Ports
total ports
20 (2024)
large
0
medium
1
small
3
very small
16
ports with oil terminals
16
key ports
Bahia de Matarani, Iquitos, Puerto del Callao, Talara
Military & Security7
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of Peru (Fuerzas Armadas del Perú or FAP): Peruvian Army (Ejercito del Peru), Peruvian Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru, MGP, includes naval infantry and General Directorate of Captaincies and Coast Guards, DICAPI), Air Force of Peru (Fuerza Aerea del Peru, FAP)
Ministry of the Interior: Peruvian National Police (Policía Nacional del Perú, PNP) (2025)
Ministry of the Interior: Peruvian National Police (Policía Nacional del Perú, PNP) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
information varies; approximately 85,000 active-duty Armed Forces (50,000 Army; 25,000 Navy; 10,000 Air Force); approximately 75,000 National Police (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists of mostly older or secondhand armaments originating from a range of countries, including Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Russia/former Soviet Union, South Korea, Spain, and the US; Peru has a small defense industry, including a shipyard that builds and upgrades naval vessels; it also has defense industrial cooperation agreements with several countries, including Russia, South Korea, Spain, and the US (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for voluntary military service (12-24 months) (2025)
Military deployments
225 Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (2025)
Military - note
the Peruvian Armed Forces (FAP) are responsible for external defense in addition to some domestic security responsibilities in designated emergency areas and in exceptional circumstances; key areas of focus include counterinsurgency, counternarcotics, cyber defense, disaster relief, and maritime security operations; the FAP supported the police during anti-government protests in early 2023; it has contributed to UN missions since 1958 and has ties to regional militaries, particularly Colombia, as well as those of numerous other countries such as China, Russia, Spain, and the US; the FAP’s last external conflict was a brief border war with Ecuador in 1995
the Special Command of the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro rivers (CE-VRAEM) is responsible for combating the remnants of the Shining Path terrorist group (aka Sendero Luminoso) and includes several thousand air, ground, naval, police, and special forces personnel; the FAP also provides aircraft, vehicles, and logistical support to the command (2025)
the Special Command of the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro rivers (CE-VRAEM) is responsible for combating the remnants of the Shining Path terrorist group (aka Sendero Luminoso) and includes several thousand air, ground, naval, police, and special forces personnel; the FAP also provides aircraft, vehicles, and logistical support to the command (2025)
Transnational Issues2
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 546,699 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 83,441 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 32 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 83,441 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 32 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)