Area: 1,285,216 sq km
Population: 29,546,963 (July 2009 est.)

Average Age: 26.1 years
Urban Population: 71% of total population

Life Expectancy: 70.74 years
Literacy: 92.9%
 
Form of Government: Constitutional Republic
Gained Independence: 28 July 1821
 
Agricultural Production:
Asparagus, coffee, cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, corn, plantains, grapes, oranges, pineapples, guavas, bananas, apples, lemons, pears, coca, tomatoes, mango, barley, medicinal plants, palm oil, marigold, onion, wheat, dry beans, poultry, beef, dairy products, fish, guinea pigs.
 
Industries:
Mining and refining of minerals, steel, metal fabrication, petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas, fishing and fish processing, textiles, clothing, food processing.
 
Radio Stations: AM 472, FM 198, shortwave 189
Television Stations: 13

Internet Hosts: 274,592
Internet Users: 7.128 million
 
Military Service:
18-30 years of age for voluntary male and female military service.

Cultural Crossroads Tours of Peru at a Glance

• Gourmet Fusion in Peru
  

  For eleven days delve into the cultural heart of Peru via a hands-on exploration of its world-class gastronomy and rich cultural traditions. From Lima to the Sacred Valley, we meet organic farmers, cook with distinguished chefs, visit art collectors and spend time with local friends who invite us into their homes and their lives, offering us extraordinary access rarely granted to foreign visitors. Whether this is your first time to Peru or your fifth, the journey to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is compelling. An overnight stay below the site at one of South America’s most stunning eco-lodges allows us to savor our experience with time to reflect upon Machu Picchu’s visual grandeur, rich history and mysterious allure. An extension to Puerto Maldonado is recommended for those with an appetite to experience the brash, natural world of the Amazon. Our lodging is at the upscale, eco-friendly Reserva Amazonica. A twilight boat ride, a suspended canopy walk, a two-mile hike to Lake Sandoval, highly trained naturalist guides and great food make our jungle experience second to none. Fly to Arequipa to explore Peru’s “white city” with its stunning views of 19,000-foot volcano Misti, which towers over this pretty colonial town. From here, Colca Canyon is within easy reach. Witness the majesty of giant condors soaring on thermal currents and hike along ancient Inca routes between rural villages while nestled in rustic, charming lodging near the canyon.