Country Profile: Peru

Peru is located in western South America, bordered by the South Pacific Ocean and sharing land boundaries with five countries. With a diverse geography that includes coastal plains, the Andes mountains, and Amazon rainforest, it has a population of approximately 32.6 million people. The country's economy is classified as upper-middle-income, benefiting from its rich natural resources, particularly in mining and agriculture. Peru's political landscape has been dynamic, characterized by a shift from military rule to democratic governance, facing challenges including corruption and social unrest.

Geography

Peru's geographical features include a diverse climate ranging from tropical in the east to arid desert in the west, with significant elevation changes due to the Andes mountains. The country covers an area of approximately 1,285,216 square kilometers, with a variety of natural resources, including minerals and timber. The Amazon River, the world's second-longest river, has its source in Peru.

2,414 km of coastline
7,062 km of land boundaries shared with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador
200 nm territorial sea claim (not recognized by the US)
56.2% of land covered by forests (2022 est.)
1,555 m mean elevation above sea level
Approximately 25% of the population resides in the coastal desert region, primarily in Lima

People and Society

Peru's population is approximately 32.6 million, with a rich tapestry of ethnicities including Mestizo, Indigenous, and White groups. A significant portion of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, with growing Protestant influences. The median age is around 30.2 years, and urbanization is high, with nearly 79% of people living in urban areas.

25.8% of the population is aged 0-14
66.2% falls within the 15-64 age bracket
Lifecycle expectancy: 68.9 years (2024 est.)
94% literacy rate (2020 est.)
16.7 births per 1,000 population (2024 est.)
51 deaths per 100,000 live births (2023 est.)

Economy

Peru’s economy shows signs of recovery post-COVID, primarily driven by mining and agriculture. The GDP (PPP) is estimated at $535.911 billion for 2024, with a nominal GDP of $289.222 billion. The service sector constitutes the largest portion of the economy, while significant informal employment presents challenges to public services.

4.9% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
27.5% of the population below the poverty line (2022 est.)
2% inflation rate expected for 2024
$83.325 billion in expected exports for 2024
$67.16 billion in expected imports for 2024
18.918 million people in the labor force (2024 est.)

Government

Peru is a presidential republic with a legal framework that promotes civil rights. The government is characterized by political volatility, with recent leadership changes and calls for reforms influencing public trust. Dina Boluarte has been the president since December 2022, marking significant milestones in gender representation.

First Vice President: Dina Boluarte, currently the first woman to hold the presidency
130 seats in the unicameral Congress
Next election expected in April 2026
Universal suffrage begins at age 18
Constitution promulgated on December 29, 1993

Military and Security

The Peruvian Armed Forces include the Army, Navy, and Air Force, tasked with external defense and domestic security. Military expenditures are projected at 0.8% of GDP for 2024. The military's focus includes counterinsurgency and disaster response, notably addressing remnants of terrorist groups like the Shining Path.

85,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
225 troops deployed on international peacekeeping missions (2024)
18-30 years is the age range for voluntary military service (2024)

Energy

Peru has made strides in increasing electricity access, currently at 96.2% of the total population. The country's energy portfolio is diverse, with significant hydroelectric generation.

16.164 million kW of installed electricity generating capacity (2023)
53.3 billion kWh of electricity consumption (2023)
44.8% of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023)
9.675 billion cubic meters of natural gas consumption (2023)

Environment

Peru faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution. The country's diverse ecosystems are under threat from both illegal activities and climate change.

Party to multiple international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement
56.2% of land is forested (2022 est.)
Annual 8,356,711 tons of municipal solid waste generated (2014 est.)

Transportation

Peru has a developed transportation network comprising roads, railways, and ports, enhancing trade and connectivity.

174 airports expected by 2025
1,854.4 km of railways (2017 data)
111 ships in the merchant marine fleet (2023)

Communications

The country exhibits robust communication networks with high mobile phone penetration and significant internet usage.

41.3 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
80% internet user penetration (2023 est.)
3.53 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	32,600,249	2024 est.
Area	1,285,216 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$535.911 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	4.9%	2024 est.
Life Expectancy	68.9 years	2024 est.
Birth Rate	16.7 births/1,000 population	2024 est.
Energy Consumption per Capita	30.923 million Btu/person	2023 est.