Country Profile: Peru

Peru, located on the western edge of South America, boasts a diverse geography that includes coastal plains, rugged Andes mountains, and the Amazon rainforest. Its population of approximately 32.8 million is primarily urban and culturally rich, reflecting a mix of Indigenous and mestizo heritages. The economy is classified as upper-middle-income, driven mainly by mining and agriculture, while facing challenges such as political instability and climate-related risks. Peru operates as a presidential republic, with a vibrant democratic framework shaped by significant historical upheaval and a diverse political landscape.

Geography

Peru is situated in western South America, bordered by the South Pacific Ocean to the west and sharing land boundaries with five countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. The country's varied terrain comprises a coastal plain, the Andes mountains, and the eastern lowland jungles of the Amazon Basin. It experiences a range of climates from tropical in the east to arid in the west, and is prone to natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Area: 1,285,216 sq km, nearly twice the size of Texas.
Highest Point: Nevado Huascaran at 6,746 m.
Natural Resources: Rich in copper, gold, silver, petroleum, and timber.
Climate: Tropical in the east, dry desert in the west.
Major Lakes: Lago Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 8,030 sq km.
Population Distribution: About one-third resides along the desert coastal belt.

People and Society

Peru's population is estimated at 32.8 million, with a diverse ethnic composition that includes mestizo (60.2%), Indigenous (25.8%), and other groups. The official language is Spanish, while indigenous languages such as Quechua and Aymara are also recognized. The society is predominantly Catholic, and urbanization continues to rise, with approximately 78.9% of the population residing in urban areas.

Urban Population: 78.9% (2023).
Life Expectancy: 68.9 years (2024).
Literacy Rate: 93.7% (2024).
Infant Mortality Rate: 10.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2025).
Median Age: 30.4 years (2025).
Total Fertility Rate: 2.12 children per woman (2025).

Economy

Peru has a strong upper-middle-income economy heavily reliant on mineral extraction and agricultural exports. The economy is experiencing a post-COVID recovery, although it faces challenges from political uncertainty and climate impacts. The financial sector remains stable with a significant informal economy affecting public service access.

GDP (PPP): $535.911 billion (2024).
GDP Growth Rate: 3.3% (2024 est.).
Unemployment Rate: 4.9% (2024).
Exports: $83.325 billion (2024), primarily in copper and agricultural produce.
Population Below Poverty Line: 27.5% (2022).
Labor Force: Approximately 18.9 million (2024).

Government

Peru is a presidential republic with a history marked by political changes and challenges. The current government structure allows for universal suffrage starting at age 18, with the President serving as both head of state and government. The Congress is unicameral and consists of 130 members elected for five-year terms.

Capital: Lima.
Current President: José Enrique Jerí Oré (since October 2025).
Administrative Divisions: 24 departments and one constitutional province.
Next Election: Expected on April 12, 2026.
Legal System: Civil law system.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Peru are responsible for external defense and domestic security, with approximately 85,000 active-duty personnel. The military focuses on counterinsurgency and counternarcotics, reflecting its historical challenges with groups like the Shining Path.

Military Expenditure: 0.8% of GDP (2024).
Active Personnel: Approximately 85,000.
National Police: About 75,000 personnel (2025).
Military Service Age: 18-30 years for voluntary service (2025).

Energy

Peru's energy sector is characterized by a mix of hydroelectric, fossil fuels, and renewable sources. Electricity access is high, particularly in urban areas, highlighting ongoing investments in infrastructure.

Electricity Access: 96.2% (2022).
Installed Capacity: 16.164 million kW (2023).
Energy Consumption per Capita: 30.923 million Btu (2023).
Hydroelectricity: Represents 49.6% of total installed capacity (2023).

Environment

Peru faces several environmental issues, including deforestation, pollution, and desertification, primarily driven by urbanization and industrial activities. The country is involved in various international environmental agreements aimed at protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change.

Forest Area: 52.9% of total land (2023).
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 58.903 million metric tonnes (2023).
Pollution: Air pollution in Lima and water contamination from mining waste.

Transportation

Peru's transportation infrastructure includes a network of roads, railways, and air routes, facilitating domestic and international connectivity.

Airports: 174 (projected for 2025).
Railways: Total length of 1,854.4 km (2017).
Ports: 20, including key ports like Callao and Talara.

Communications

The communications sector in Peru has seen significant growth, particularly in mobile and internet services, with widespread access across urban areas.

Internet Users: 80% of the population (2023).
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 42.6 million (2024).
Telephones - Fixed Lines: 1.504 million subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	32,768,614 (2025 est.)
Area	1,285,216 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$535.911 billion (2024)
Unemployment Rate	4.9% (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	30.923 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	16.43 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	68.9 years (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	2% (2024 est.)
Urban Population	78.9% of total population (2023)
Maternal Mortality Ratio	51 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)