Peru
Capital
Lima
Population
~33.7 million
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- Spanish (official), Quechua, Aymara
- Religion
- Predominantly Roman Catholic
- Climate
- Varies greatly; arid coast, temperate Andes, tropical Amazon
Culture & History
Known for: Inca Empire (Machu Picchu), Andean landscapes, Amazon rainforest, and diverse cuisine
Also famous for: Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, llamas and alpacas, rich pre-Columbian history
Food: Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Cuy (guinea pig)
Brief History
Center of Inca Empire, Spanish conquest, independence early 19th century, periods of political instability, recent economic growth