Country Profile: Peru

Peru, located in western South America, boasts a diverse geography that includes the Amazon rainforest, the rugged Andes mountains, and a coastal desert along the South Pacific. With a population of approximately 32.8 million, the country is characterized by a rich blend of cultural heritage, predominantly Mestizo and Indigenous groups. Peru's economy is classified as upper-middle-income, driven by mineral extraction and agriculture, although it faces challenges such as political instability and climate-related risks. Governed as a presidential republic, recent political history has seen significant turmoil and leadership changes, reflecting a dynamic political landscape.

Geography

Peru's expansive area of 1,285,216 square kilometers places it almost twice the size of Texas. The country features diverse terrains, from the coastal plains to the high Andes and the Amazon Basin. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 10°S latitude and 76°W longitude. Major natural resources include copper, gold, and fish, while the climate varies significantly across regions, ranging from tropical in the east to arid in the west.

1,285,216 sq km: Total area, encompassing diverse geography.
6,746 m: Elevation of Nevado Huascaran, the highest point in Peru.
2,414 km: Length of the coastline along the Pacific Ocean.
19 February 1600: Date of the largest volcanic explosion in South America at Mount Huaynaputina.

People and Society

Peru has a population of approximately 32.8 million, with a majority identifying as Mestizo. The country has a rich cultural tapestry, with Spanish as the most widely spoken language, alongside Quechua and Aymara among the Indigenous communities. Urbanization is pronounced, with nearly 79% of the population residing in urban areas. The median age is around 30.4 years, indicative of a youthful demographic.

76%: Percentage of the population identifying as Catholic.
32.8 million: Projected population for 2025.
93.7%: Literacy rate among the total population (2024).
25.8%: Proportion of the population aged 0-14 years.

Economy

Peru's economy is recognized as upper-middle-income, showing signs of recovery post-COVID-19. The GDP in purchasing power parity was estimated at $535.911 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 3.3%. The country relies heavily on mineral exports and agriculture, alongside a large informal sector. Despite challenges, Peru maintains a stable fiscal position.

$535.911 billion: GDP in purchasing power parity (2024 est.).
4.9%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
27.5%: Percentage of the population below the poverty line (2022 est.).
18.918 million: Labor force size (2024 est.).

Government

Peru operates as a presidential republic, with a constitution promulgated in 1993. The current president, José Enrique Jerí Oré, has been in office since October 2025. The government structure includes an executive branch led by the president, a unicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary. Voting is compulsory for citizens aged 18 and older.

18 years: Minimum voting age with compulsory participation until 70.
130: Total seats in the unicameral Congress.
41.5%: Percentage of women in the legislative chamber.
28 July 1821: Date of Peru's independence from Spain.

Military and Security

The Peruvian Armed Forces comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside the National Police. Military expenditures are around 0.8% of GDP for 2024. Peru is active in international peacekeeping missions, contributing to UN operations since 1958.

Approximately 85,000: Active-duty personnel in the Armed Forces (2025).
225: Military personnel deployed in UN missions (2025).
1.2%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2020.
12-24 months: Duration of voluntary military service for ages 18-30.

Energy

Peru's energy sector consists of a mix of generation sources, primarily hydroelectric and fossil fuels. Electricity access is high, with 96.2% of the population having access as of 2022. The country has significant fossil fuel reserves, including crude oil and natural gas.

16.164 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.).
44.8%: Percentage of electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023).
85.1%: Electrification rate in rural areas (2022 est.).
118,000 bbl/day: Daily petroleum production (2023).

Environment

Peru faces various environmental issues, including deforestation, desertification, and pollution. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these challenges. Urbanization and industrial activities have contributed to air and water pollution, necessitating significant environmental management efforts.

52.9%: Percentage of land designated as forest (2023 est.).
31.7 µg/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.).
9.2%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).
58.903 million metric tons: Total CO2 emissions (2023 est.).

Transportation

Peru's transportation infrastructure includes a network of roads, railways, and air transport systems. The country has 20 ports and numerous airports, facilitating both domestic and international travel and trade.

174: Total number of airports (2025).
111: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
1,854.4 km: Length of railways (2017).
20: Total ports, including oil terminals (2024).

Communications

The communications sector in Peru includes a growing number of mobile and internet users, reflecting a trend toward greater connectivity. The country has a variety of media outlets, including numerous television and radio stations.

42.6 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
80%: Percentage of the population with internet access (2023).
3.53 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
1.504 million: Fixed line telephone subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	32,768,614 (2025 est.)	Total projected population
Area	1,285,216 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$535.911 billion (2024 est.)	Real GDP in purchasing power parity
Unemployment Rate	4.9% (2024 est.)	Percentage of labor force seeking employment
Literacy Rate	93.7% (2024 est.)	Average literacy rate among total population
Energy Consumption	30.923 million Btu/person (2023 est.)	Total energy consumption per capita
Life Expectancy	68.9 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy at birth
Birth Rate	16.43 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)	Birth rate per thousand people
Maternal Mortality Ratio	51 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)	Maternal mortality statistics
Electric Access	96.2% (2022 est.)	Total population with electricity access