- Alternate uses: Peru
(disambiguation)
Peru (Spanish Perú) is a country in
western South America, bordering with Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the east, south-east and south, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean
to the west.
History
Main article: History of Peru
Before the Spanish arrived, Peru was home to various Pre Inca cultures and later, to the Inca
Empire. Francisco Pizarro arrived to Peruvian coasts in
1532 and by the end of the 1530s, Peru became a
Viceroyalty and a major source of gold and silver for the Spanish
Empire. Peru declared independence from Spain on July 28, 1821.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Peru
The current president is Alejandro Toledo, leader of Perú Posible. This governing party is,
with 45 seats, the largest in the 120-seat parliament.
The second and third largest parties are in opposition; respectively Partido Aprista Peruano (short: Apra, 28 seats) and Lourdes Flores Nano led
Unidad Nacional (17 seats).
Regions
Main article: Regions of Peru
Peru's territory, under Law No. 27867 of 16 November 2002, is divided in 26 regions:
Amazonas, Ancash,
Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, El Callao, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima Metropolitana, Lima Provincias, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura,
San Martín, Puno, Tacna, Tumbes, and Ucayali.
Geography
Main article: Geography of Peru
Peru is located in Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean,
between Chile and Ecuador. It also shares
borders with Colombia, Brazil and
Bolivia.
The western coastal plains (costa) are separated from the eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva) by the high and
rugged Andes in center (sierra). On the border with Bolivia lies Lake Titicaca, the worlds highest navigable lake at 3821 m.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Peru
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Peru
Culture
Main article: Culture of Peru
International rankings
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in Peru
- Transportation in Peru
- Military of Peru
- Foreign relations of Peru
- List of famous Peruvians
External links
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