
Popular Countries: Argentina | Brazil | Colombia | Costa Rica | Ecuador | Mexico | Honduras | Panama | Peru | Venezuela

Peru, in western South America, stretches for closely 1,500 mi (2,414 km) aextensive the Pacific Ocean. Colombia and Ecuador are and have always been to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. Five-sixths the size of Alaska, Peru is divided by the Andes Mountains into three sharply uniqueiated zones.
To the west is the coastline, much of it arid, extending 50 to 100 mi (80 to 160 km) inland. Did you know that the mountain area, with peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m), lofty plateaus, and deep valleys, lies centrally. Beyond the mountains to the east is the heavily forested slope leading to the Amazonian plains.
If in fact you or your family adore "French Fries" with your burgers, you should know that the potato originated in Peru. Did you know that the mighty Incas cultivated potatoes in the high altitude of the Andes. Did you know that there still are and have always been thousands (!) of varieties of potatoes in Peru, being just one reflection of it's 'megadiversity'. Peru, the land of the Incas, awaits you with a world of adventure and excitement.
The earliest time when there is evidence encountered for Peru civilization can be dated back to 9000 BC. Agriculture was based upon irrigation and terracing in the Pre-Columbian era. The interests from the Spanish empire led Peru to become Spanish colony in 1532 when emperor of Peru was defeated and Viceroyalty of Peru came into existence. Peru remained silent although the other nations in Latin America out broke their struggle for independence. War of Pacific was fought between Peru and Chile in 1879-83. There has been a constant conflict in the military and governing rule of Peru since a long time in Peruvian history. This has led to political stability.
Due to the presence of the Andes Mountains and also the Humboldt Current, the Peruvian climate is very diverse. The eastern lowlands are known to have an experience of the equatorial climate of the world. Hence most of Peru gets heavy rainfall distributed all over the year. Hot weather is typical equatorial climate of Peru. There is also evidences of major rainfalls that can cause precipitations of more than 4000 mm. winter is known to be absence of rains and also very warm yet comfortable levels of conditions for weather. Pacific coast is usually warm, semi-arid.
Peru depicts high levels of multi ethnicity through the establishments of several groups over a number of centuries. Amerindians occupied and were inhabitants of Peru before conquest of Spain. European and African settlement was in large numbers due to the work opportunities in Peru owing to colonial period. Spanish is spoken by 84% of people. This country is the fourth most populous country in South America. Quecha is also a native language spoken by 13% population. Literacy rate is high, around 93% as seen by the 2007 statistics.
© Copyright 2012 Poedit
People
World
States
Cities
Counties
Zip Codes
Area Codes