Peru

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Alternate uses: Peru (disambiguation)

Peru is a country of western South America, bordering the south Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador.

Rep�blica del Per�

File:Peru flag medium.png coat of arms (In Detail) (Full size)
National motto: Xxxxx
File:LocationPeru.png
Official languages	Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara
Capital	Lima
President	Alejandro Toledo
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 19th 1,285,220 km2 0.4%
Population  - Total (2002)  - Density	Ranked 38th 27,949,639 22/km²
Independence  - Declared  - Recognised	(Event Xxxx) July 28, 1821 1879
Currency	Nuevo sol (S/.)
Time zone	UTC -5 (EST)
National anthem	[[Somos libres, se�moslo siempre]] (We Are Free, Let Us Remain So Forever)
Internet TLD	.PE
Calling Code	51

Contents 1 History 2 Politics 3 (Subdivisions) 4 Geography 5 Economy 6 Demographics 7 Culture 8 External links 9 Miscellaneous topics 9.1 References

History

Main article: History of Peru

When the Spanish landed in 1531, Peru's territory was the nucleus of the highly developed Inca civilization. Centered at Cuzco, the Inca Empire extended over a vast region from northern Ecuador to central Chile. In search of Inca wealth, the Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro, who arrived in the territory after the Incas had fought a debilitating civil war, conquered the weakened people. The Spanish had captured the Incan capital at Cuzco by 1533 and consolidated their control by 1542. Gold and silver from the Andes enriched the conquerors, and Peru became the principal source of Spanish wealth and power in South America.

Pizarro founded Lima in 1535. The viceroyalty established at Lima in 1542 initially had jurisdiction over all of South America except Portuguese Brazil. By the time of the wars of independence (1820-24), Lima had become the most distinguished and aristocratic colonial capital and the chief Spanish stronghold in America.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Peru

The current president is Alejandro Toledo, leader of [[Per� Posible]]. This governing party is, with 45 seats, the largest in the 120-seat parliament.

The second and third largest parties are in opposition; respectively Partido Aprista Peruano (short: Apra, 28 seats) and Lourdes Flores Nano led Unidad Nacional (17 seats).

(Subdivisions)

Main article: (Subdivisions) of Peru

Geography

Main article: Geography of Peru

Peru is located in Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador. It also shares borders with Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia.

The western coastal plains (costa) are seperated from the eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva) by the high and rugged Andes in center (sierra). On the border with Bolivia lies Lake Titicaca, the worlds highest navigable lake at 3821 [Metre|m].

Economy

Main article: Economy of Peru

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Peru

Culture

Main article: Culture of Peru

Holidays

Date	English Name	Local Name	Remarks

• Music of Peru

External links

• History of Peru
• world-wide press freedom index Rank 36 out of 139 countries (2 way tie)

Miscellaneous topics

• Communications in Peru
• Transportation in Peru
• Military of Peru
• Foreign relations of Peru
• List of famous Peruvians

Countries of the world  |  South America[[es:Per�]][[fr:P�rou]]

References

• Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Talk:Peru/Temp" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Peru/Temp December 9, 2003