Country Profile: Peru

Peru, a nation in western South America, is situated along the South Pacific Ocean, sharing borders with Chile and Ecuador. It is characterized by diverse geography that includes coastal plains, the rugged Andes, and the lush Amazon Basin. Home to approximately 32.6 million people, Peru is a vibrant mix of cultures with a significant Indigenous population and a variety of ethnic groups. The economy is classified as upper-middle-income, driven by mineral extraction, agriculture, and a growing service sector, while the government operates as a presidential republic, facing recent political challenges and shifts in leadership.

Geography

Peru's geographic layout encompasses a coastal plain, the towering Andes, and lowland jungles enriched by the Amazon Basin. The country exhibits a variety of climates, ranging from tropical in the east to arid in the west, contributing to its rich biodiversity.

Total Area: 1,285,216 sq km, making it almost twice the size of Texas.
Coastline: 2,414 km along the South Pacific Ocean.
Highest Point: Nevado Huascaran at 6,746 m.
Natural Hazards: Prone to earthquakes, flooding, and landslides.
Main Rivers: Features the Amazon River source, one of the longest river systems globally.

People and Society

Peru's population of approximately 32.6 million reflects a rich tapestry of cultures, with a significant Indigenous demographic. Spanish is the official language, while various Indigenous languages are also spoken. The nation has a youthful population with a median age of 30.2 years.

Ethnic Groups: Mestizo (60.2%), Indigenous (25.8%), White (5.9%).
Urban Population: 78.9% of citizens live in urban areas.
Life Expectancy: 68.9 years at birth.
Literacy Rate: 93.7% among the total population.
Major Religions: Catholicism (76%), followed by Evangelical Christianity (15.7%).

Economy

The Peruvian economy is categorized as upper-middle-income, highlighting notable growth in sectors like mining and agriculture. Political instability and climate risks, however, temper this progress.

GDP (PPP): Approximately $535.911 billion in 2024.
Real GDP Growth Rate: Forecasted at 3.3% for 2024.
Unemployment Rate: Remains steady at 4.9% in 2024.
Poverty Rate: 27.5% of the population living below the poverty line (2022).
Main Exports: Includes copper ore, gold, and grapes.

Government

Peru operates as a presidential republic, with a history marked by political turmoil and recent constitutional changes. The current president, José Enrique Jerí Oré, took office in October 2025.

Capital: Lima, the nation's political and economic hub.
Administrative Divisions: Comprises 24 departments and 1 constitutional province.
Suffrage: Universal and compulsory for citizens aged 18 to 70.
Most Recent Election Date: 11 April 2021.
Legal System: Operates under a civil law system.

Military and Security

Peru maintains an active military force for both external defense and internal security, with responsibilities shared between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Total Military Personnel: Approximately 85,000 active-duty members.
Military Expenditures: About 0.8% of GDP in 2024.
Main Focus Areas: Includes counterinsurgency, counternarcotics, and disaster relief.
Military Age: Age of voluntary service is 18-30 years.
UN Contributions: Peru has participated in UN missions since 1958.

Energy

Peru's energy sector is increasingly diversified, with significant investments in renewable energy sources.

Electricity Access: 96.2% of the total population has access to electricity (2022).
Installed Capacity: 16.164 million kW as of 2023.
Main Energy Source: Hydroelectricity contributes 49.6% to the energy mix.
Natural Gas Production: 14.647 billion cubic meters in 2023.
Coal Reserves: Estimated at 1.567 billion metric tons (2023).

Environment

Peru faces several environmental challenges such as deforestation and pollution, yet it is a party to numerous international environmental agreements.

Forest Coverage: 52.9% of land is forested.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Estimated at 58.903 million metric tons in 2023.
Waste Recycling Rate: Only 9.2% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022).
Main Environmental Issues: Include overgrazing, air pollution, and overfishing.
International Agreements: Participates in Biodiversity, Climate Change (Kyoto and Paris Agreement).

Transportation

Peru's transportation infrastructure includes a network of roads, railways, and air travel, vital for connecting its diverse regions.

Total Airports: 174 as of 2025.
Railway Length: Approximately 1,854.4 km.
Merchant Marine: Total of 111 vessels.
Key Ports: Significant ports include Puerto del Callao and Iquitos.
Heliports: A total of 7 are operational as of 2025.

Communications

Peru has made substantial progress in telecommunication and internet accessibility, fostering both urban and rural connectivity.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: Approximately 41.3 million, exceeding 100 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.
Internet Access: 80% of the population are internet users as of 2023.
Broadband Subscriptions: About 3.53 million fixed broadband subscriptions.
Fixed Line Telephony: 1.504 million fixed line subscriptions.
Broadcast Media: Features 10 major TV networks and over 5,000 radio stations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	32,600,249	2024 Estimate
Area	1,285,216 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$535.911 billion	2024 Estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	30.923 million Btu/person	2023 Estimate
Birth Rate	16.7 births/1,000 people	2024 Estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.9%	2024 Estimate
Life Expectancy	68.9 years	2024 Estimate
Literacy Rate	93.7%	2024 Estimate
Poverty Rate	27.5%	2022 Estimate
Electrification Rate	96.2%	2022 Estimate