Peru is the third-largest country in South America and is a melting pot of cultures, from the indigenous Incas, to the Spaniards, with African, Asian, and European influences also making their mark. The country’s colourful history has spawned a diverse community of art, cuisine, literature and music.

Peru is a democratic republic with a president and members of congress elected every five years. Spanish is the official language of Peru, yet approximately 20% of the population speaks Quechua and other native Indian languages.

Peru is a developing nation, with phone service, internet access, and infrastructure such as roads and airports being continually improved. Economically, several industries play a large role, including agriculture, fishing, and mining. Peru is the largest producer of silver in the world and amongst Latin American nations, the number one producer of gold, zinc, tin and lead and the number two producer of copper. Peru is also a manufacturer of products such as textiles. Several large ports, one of which is Callao, just outside the capital city of Lima, are spread along the coast. Other major cities are Arequipa, Chiclayo, and Huancayo.

Naturally speaking, Peru encompasses a broad range of ecosystems, from beaches, valleys, and deserts along the coastal area, to the mountainous areas dominated by the Andes. Peru also has a large swath of jungle along the wide and winding Amazon River.