Download Spotlight on Peru

SPOTLIGHT ON PERU
Peru has a long and rich cultural history. The Pre-Columbian inhabitants
lived in 3000 BC, and Inca civilizations were dominant in 1400-1500 AD.
Architects and stone-masons, the Incas constructed stone cities in rugged
mountain terrain, and evidence exists of advanced metalwork and even
successful brain surgery. All of this rich history has given rise to a bustling
tourism industry, with 350,000 Americans visiting annually.
The Spanish conquered the area in the 1500’s, and Peru declared
independence on July 28th, 1821. Over the past 100 years there have been
many military coups, but now Peru’s government is a Constitutional
Republic. The government is set up much like the United States government.
There are 3 branches: President and Council of Ministers, Legislative and
Judicial.
Peru’s economy is growing; it is thought that Peru will have the 26th largest
economy by 2050, which means it would jump 20 places. Their major
export markets include the US, China, Switzerland, Canada, and Japan.
There is a large push to limit the illegal drug trade. With the ratification of
the upcoming European Union trade agreement, preference will be given to
products manufactured in the coca basins. This will allow coffee, cocoa, and
palmetto to replace cocaine production.
Three times the size of California, Peru is divided into 25 regions. The
country consists of three major geographical areas: the Andes Mountains,
rugged coastal plains, and tropical forests. Seventy-four percent of the
population lives in urban areas, where poverty is widespread. The majority
of people, 81%, are of Roman Catholic faith.
Peruvian holidays are abundant, totaling nearly 3000. Along with the wellknown conventional holidays, most of the festivals celebrate a saint. These
saints generally combine Catholic and Andean religious traditions. There
are also celebrations centered around the harvest, especially in the rural
areas.