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Chinese New Years

Year of the Dragon 2012

Learn about Peru

Peru, the land of the ancient Incas, a country with enough economic and social problems to leave many living in poverty, and a land on the edge of the Pacific ocean that is complete with jungle and mountains. A country with a story, indeed. Come explore this fascinating country with us and travel from the edge of the sea to the peaks of the Andes with us as we take a peek into Peru.

Facts & Figures of Peru

Total area: 1,285,220 sq km (this makes Peru the 19th largest country in world)

Border countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador

Population: 28,409,897 (July 2003 est.) This ranks Peru as the 39th most populous country in the world.

Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic (approximately 90% of the population)

Language: There are three languages (two official) spoken widely throughout Peru; Spanish (official), Quechua (official) and Aymara. See our Language section to learn more.

Capital: Lima

States & Territories: Peru is divided into 26 Regions: Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Juní­n, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima Metropolitana, Lima Provincias, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, San Martín, Puno, Tacna and Tumbes Ucayali.

Flag:The Peruvian flag consists of three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band. The coat of arms features a shield bearing a vicuna, cinchona tree (the source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all framed by a green wreath.

Industry & Agriculture: The major industries of Peru include: mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, food processing, cement, auto assembly, steel, shipbuilding and metal fabrication.

The major agricultural products include: coffee, cotton, sugarcane, rice, wheat, potatoes, corn, plantains, coca, poultry, beef, dairy products, wool and fish.

What can you find in your house or local store that was made in Peru?

Currency: Nuevo Sol (PEN)
One Canadian dollar is worth about 2.54 Nuevo Sols. One American dollar is worth about 3.49 Nuevo Sols.