Where is Peru? If someone asked you to find Peru on a map, would you be able to do it? Or if they asked you questions about the area, would you be able to answer? If you’re a little shaky on your Peru details, we’ll fill you in on the important information.
What Is Peru? Is Peru a Country?
Peru is a country in western South America. Officially called the Republic of Peru, its northern tip almost touches the Equator, so it’s mostly a tropical place. Part of the Amazon rainforest is in Peru, but the landscape and terrain varies greatly, so there are different climates, ways of life, and economic activity throughout the country.
Peru is broken up into three regions: the arid Costa region in the west, the Andes system in the middle, and the Amazonian region in the east. In 2017, Peru had a population of 32.17 million people. Its main exports include zinc, textiles, copper, gold, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and fish meat.
Where Is Peru? Finding Peru on a Map
To find Peru on a map, you must first locate South America. From there, it is just south of the Equator on the western half of the continent. It is bordered on the northeast by Colombia and on the east by Brazil. Bolivia borders Peru to the southeast, and Chile sits to the south, with Ecuador on the northwest. The west side of Peru is 1,500 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean.
The Early History of Peru
The history of the area around Peru extends back 4 millennia. It was the home to the Norte Chico civilization, which is one of the oldest civilizations in the world (there are six total), as well as the Inca Empire, which was the largest state in Pre-Columbian America.
The Incas were incredibly advanced and organized, and they built huge, awe-inspiring mountain palaces, temples, and other structures. They also developed 10,000 miles of roads, bridges, and aqueducts for the transportation of water. Incan ruins can still be viewed at Machu Picchu.
In 1532, the Spanish conquistadors entered the county on a search for gold and other treasures. They slaughtered the Incan people in their pursuit and captured the grand cities. For close to 300 years, Peru was a Spanish colony. In the 19th century, the indigenous population and other colonists became discontent with the rulers and started talking about independence. In 1821, a civil war erupted, and the Spanish were defeated by 1824.
Things didn’t get better for Peru over the next century. They found themselves involved with wars with neighbors, subjected to dictatorial rule, military coups, and political upheaval. In 1980, the country found itself once again ruled by democratic leadership, but to this day, they are still plagued with allegations of mismanagement and corruption.
Peru Today
Peru is home to the largest Inca city that is still in existence, and it also contains part of the Amazon rainforest. For those who want outdoor adventure and see sights from history, Peru is a great place to accomplish that task.
In addition, the country is full of modern cities and modern amenities. They have a thriving nightlight, especially in cities such as Cuzco, and there are a variety of clubs, bars, and restaurants to visit.
Peruvian culture is a combination of modern and ancient heritage. Most cities in the country are balanced with both the old and the new. There are a variety of cultural influences throughout the region, including Spanish and indigenous, and this is often reflected in their architecture, plazas, and monuments. There are also a variety of different cathedrals and churches that reflect the Spanish influence on the country.
Peru also boasts a unique and exciting gastronomical scene, which basically refers to the different foods that are found throughout the region. So many different influences have touched their cuisine, and they claim that each city has its own unique flavor.
Peru has had a long history and has been touched by a variety of different cultures, which has impacted the country in both positive and negative ways. The landscape throughout the country is incredibly varied, from flat plains to rugged mountains to dense jungles. It is a truly unique and wonderful place.
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