By: Megan Foster

History

Human existence in Peru dated back to 9000 B.C. Incas were the native American tribe that

inhabited most of South American. In late 1400s Conquistadors invaded South

America they: Enslaved Natives • Convert to Christianity Brought on Disease (i.e. small pox, measles, influenza…)

Center of Spain’s colonial Govt. until early 19th Century.

One of the last South American countries to gain independence.

Machu Picchu

Ruins in the Capital of the Incan Empire, located atop mountains in the region of Cusco.

Referred to, at times, as “The Lost City the Incas”

Construction began AD 1400 and was never finished due to the invasion of the Spaniards

Rediscovered in 1911 by historian Hiram Bingham.

Money Peru’s currency are called Sol

$1 is worth about 2.73 Soles

Peru, along with the rest of the Latin American countries, have more colorful currency than the US.

Peru’s economy is much more volitile than the US economy. 1989 GDP -11.7%

▪ US 1991GDP -0.26% 1994GDP+12.84%

▪ US 1994GDP +4.11%

Taking a picture of Peruvian Nuevo Soles, worth 2.73 to a dollar on average, shows a water mark strip just like U.S. Dollars.

Exports Imports Metals

Copper Gold Iron Steel

Agriculture Coffee Fish Fruits and

Vegetables Pharmaceuticals

Government

Peru is a Presidential Representative Democratic Republic

Government officials are elected by the people.

Has a Unicameral Congress 5 year terms 130 members

Current President: Ollanta Humala 5 year terms Cannot run for re-

election for one full term.

Controls Military : Army, Navy, and Air Force

Appoint Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

Geography

Capitol : Lima Population: 29.5 Million

(4th largest is South America)

Peru was divided into 24 departments

Nov. 18, 2002 Pres. Alan Garcia regionalizes Peru. Now 26 Regions and Lima

Province 60% of Peru is Amazon

Jungle. 10% of the country is

Govt. preserved 3rd biggest country in

South America,

Diversity of Peru Amerindian 45% Mestizo

(Amerindian and white) 37%

White 15% Black, Japanese,

Chinese, other 3% Peru has a

dominantly young population. 43% of total population between 18 an 24 years of age.

Diversity of Peru

Sources

Exchange rate; www.exchange-rates.org

Wikipedia.org Peru Ethnic Groups

http://www.indexmundi.com/peru/ethnic_groups.html