Peru is located in South America, and its capital is Lima. It has a population of approximately 34,217,848 and covers an area of about 1,285,216 km². Its official currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN).
What stands out
People & place
26.6 /km² across 1,285,216 km²
Peru has a recorded population of 34,217,848 and a reported surface area of 1,285,216 km².
Economic snapshot
$289.22 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $289.22 billion and GDP per capita at $8,452 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Peruvian sol (PEN)
Peru uses Peruvian sol (PEN), calling code +51, internet domain .pe.
About Peru
Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country in South America. It is bordered to the north by Ecuador and Colombia, to the east by Brazil, to the southeast by Bolivia, to the south by Chile, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. Peru is a richly diverse country, with a population of over 33 million people and a wide range of landscapes, from the coastal plains to the high Andes mountains and the Amazon rainforest.
Peru's geography is characterized by three distinct regions: the Costa (coast), the Sierra (mountains), and the Selva (jungle). The Costa is a narrow strip of arid coastal desert, home to major cities like Lima. The Sierra comprises the majestic Andes Mountains, which contain some of the highest peaks in the Americas and are a vital source of water and minerals. The Selva is the eastern part of the country, covered by the Amazon rainforest, known for its incredible biodiversity and abundant natural resources.
Peruvian culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial influences, and later immigrant contributions. This fusion is evident in its music, dance, cuisine, art, and festivals. The indigenous Quechua and Aymara languages and customs remain strong, especially in the Andean regions. Peruvian cuisine is world-renowned, celebrated for its unique flavors, fresh ingredients, and national dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado.
Peru has a long and complex history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Norte Chico and the Inca Empire, whose capital was Cusco. The Spanish conquest in the 16th century brought significant changes, and Peru became a major viceroyalty in the Spanish Empire. Independence was declared in 1821, led by José de San Martín, and later secured by Simón Bolívar. The country has since navigated periods of political stability and instability, economic development, and social change.
Key facts
Capital: Lima
Official Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Peru has a recorded population of approximately 34,217,848 people.
How big is Peru?
Peru covers an area of about 1,285,216 km².
What is the population density of Peru?
Peru has a population density of roughly 26.6 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Peru?
Peru has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $289.22 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Peru?
Peru has a GDP per capita of approximately $8,452.
What currency is used in Peru?
Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN), with the symbol S/..
Where is Peru located?
Peru is located in South America, Americas.
What is the native name of Peru?
The native name of Peru is Perú.
What are people from Peru called?
People from Peru are referred to as Peruvian.
What is the phone calling code for Peru?
The international dialing code for Peru is +51.
What is the internet domain for Peru?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Peru is .pe.
What time zone is Peru in?
Peru uses the America/Lima time zone.
What is Peru known for?
Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country in South America. It is bordered to the north by Ecuador and Colombia, to the east by Brazil, to the southeast by Bolivia, to the south by Chile, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. Peru is a richly diverse country, with a population of over 33 million people and a wide range of landscapes, from the coastal plains to the high Andes mountains and the Amazon rainforest.
South America