Peru: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 13, 2026

News •

Pope says it's a 'joy' to be home as Peru's Chiclayo welcomes back its former shepherd • Nov. 13, 2026, 7:00 PM ET (AP)

Pope Leo XIV denounces 'machismo' and demands women be protected in an emotional return to Peru • Nov. 13, 2026, 2:27 AM ET (AP)

Pope Leo returns to beloved former home of Chiclayo, the Peruvian city that claims him as its own • Nov. 11, 2026, 11:03 PM ET (AP)

Pope Leo returns to a national celebration in his second homeland of Peru • Nov. 11, 2026, 10:35 PM ET (AP)

Pope Leo XIV wrapping up Argentina visit before an emotional trip back to Peru, his adopted homeland • Nov. 11, 2026, 7:16 AM ET (AP)

Facts

Head Of State And Government	President: Keiko Fujimori
Capital	Lima
Population	(2026 est.) 34,666,000
Form Of Government	unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (Congress of the Republic [130])
Official Languages	Spanish; Quechua (locally); Aymara (locally)
Official Religion	none¹
Official Name	República del Perú (Spanish) (Republic of Peru)
Total Area (Sq Km)	1,285,216
Total Area (Sq Mi)	496,225
Monetary Unit	nuevo sol (S/.)
Population Rank	(2026) 48
Population Projection 2030	35,900,000
Density: Persons Per Sq Mi	(2026) 69.9
Density: Persons Per Sq Km	(2026) 27
Urban-Rural Population	Urban: (2017) 79.3% • Rural: (2017) 20.7%
Life Expectancy At Birth	Male: (2021) 68.8 years • Female: (2021) 74.8 years
Gni (U.S.$ ’000,000)	(2024) 256,545
Gni Per Capita (U.S.$)	(2024) 7,500
¹The state recognizes Roman Catholicism as an important element in the historical and cultural development of Peru.

Photos and Videos

Flag of Peru with three vertical stripes, red on each side and white in the center, and a central coat of arms featuring a vicuña, cinchona tree, and cornucopia.

Map of South America highlighting Peru in tan, with surrounding countries labeled and the capital city Lima marked by a star. The map shows Peru's location on the continent's western coast, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile.

Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Lima

Political map of Peru showing its national boundaries with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile, as well as the Pacific Ocean coastline. The map details major cities, regional divisions, and rivers across the country, with a small locator map highlighting Peru's position in South America.

A llama stands on a grassy slope with the ancient stone ruins and steep mountains of Machu Picchu, Peru in the background.

Map of Peru highlighting major physical features such as the Andes mountains, Amazon River, national parks, and Lake Titicaca. Neighboring countries Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile are shown, along with the Pacific Ocean to the west. An inset locator map marks Peru's position in South America.

Colca valley, Chivay, Peru

Misti Volcano, Peru

Terraced fields, Sierra region, Peru

Brown capuchins in Manú National Park, Peru

Explore the Altiplano of Bolivia and Peru

Visit an Aymara Community on Lake Titicaca

Follow Alpaca Shearing and Wool Processing and Weaving in the Andes

National anthem of Peru

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Topics

list of cities and towns in Peru League of Nations nation-state War of the Pacific Andean Community Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation UNASUR Peruvian–Bolivian Confederation Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization Latin American Integration Association United States India United Kingdom China Canada Russia Germany Australia Japan France

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