2. PERU

3. FAST FACTS capital: Lima population: 29,180,899 languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara, many minor Amazonian languages, English (business & tourism) ethnic groups: Amerindian 45%; mestizo 37%; white 15%; other 3% religions: Roman Catholic 81%; other Christian 0.7%; other 2%; unspecified or none 16.3% 1,280,000km 2 of land and 5,220 km 2 of water land elevation: 0 metres to 6,768 metres government: constitutional republic currency: Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN) – 1 CAD equal to 2.67 PEN shares a border with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador

6. Peru in General tropical coastline, high mountains, and Amazonian jungle the Andes Mountain Range separates a narrow coastal strip from the Amazonian jungle great biological diversity with a variety of climates, landscapes, and ecosystems

7. more than 50 mountains at 6,000 metres or higher, over 1,500 glaciers, and approximately 12,000 lakes and 250 river basins an abundant supply of natural resources, enormous agricultural potential, and some of the most stunning tourism venues on the planet

8. Brief History of Peru the Andean civilization of the Incas dominated ancient Peru, establishing democracy and advanced engineering Spanish conquistadors arrived in Peru in 1532 in search of gold Peru gained independence in 1821 from Spanish forces

9. after years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems and the growth of a violent rebellion in 1990, with a new leader, Peru’s economy saw a dramatic turnaround and lessening of guerilla activity

10. however, political corruption and an economic slump in the late 1990s brought on elections in 2001, where Toledo won the presidency (still allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the gov’t) in 2006, Alan Garcia Perez was elected President (was before Toledo, as well); strengthened relations with neighbouring countries (Chile, Brazil, etc.)

11. Tourism in Peru Throughout its history, Peru has benefited from numerous cultures, making it a unique and spectacular place to visit. Peru offers the most impressive mountain vistas in all of South America, as well as remnants of its Inca culture and Spanish colonial history.

12. Major points of interest include the modern, yet historically preserved capital city of Lima; the fascinating city of Cuzco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and the nearby ruins at Machu Picchu; Lake Titicaca, the Amazon Rainforest and Andean mountain tours.

13. Machu Picchu

14. While the vast majority of all visitors to Peru have very positive experiences, a growing number have been victims of crime, especially in Lima where street crime levels are high.

15. Much of the tourism industry in Peru focuses on ecotourism as a way for visitors to experience the unlimited physical geography. Other forms of tourism Peru is working towards are Adventure Tourism, Accessible Tourism, and Experiential Tourism.

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