Peru

1500s (April 2, Thursday): Spanish exploration led by Francisco Pizarro in the coastal regions

1533 (November 15, Tuesday): Fall of the Inca Empire to Spanish conquistadors

1821 (July 28, Thursday): Peru declares independence from Spain under General José de San Martín

1879-1884 (April 5, 1879 – October 20, 1884): War of the Pacific between Peru, Bolivia, and Chile; Peru loses territory to Chile

1912 (March 6, Wednesday): Major floods caused by El Niño affect coastal cities

1948 (October 27, Wednesday): Military coup led by General Manuel A. Odría, resulting in a period of authoritarian rule

1980-2000 (May 17, 1980 – 2000): Internal Conflict: A period of civil conflict between the government and Shining Path guerrilla movement

2001 (January 1, Monday): Launch of major economic reforms and integration into global markets

2007 (August 15, Wednesday): Peru Earthquake: A magnitude 8.0 earthquake strikes the central coast, killing hundreds

2010 (March 14, Sunday): Floods and Mudslides: Severe floods caused by El Niño impact the coastal and mountainous regions

2017 (January 14, Saturday): Severe Flooding: Torrential rains cause devastating floods across the country

2020 (March 6, Friday): COVID-19 Pandemic: Peru declares a national state of emergency and implements strict lockdown measures

2022 (March 21, Monday): Peru Volcano Eruption (Mount Ubinas): Minor eruptions lead to ash falls and evacuations from nearby communities

Continent: South America
Location: Western South America, bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west
Capital: Lima
Language: Spanish (official), Quechua, Aymara (indigenous languages)
Currency: Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Population: ~33 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Peru Time (UTC -5)

Borders: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile
Landscape: Diverse geography ranging from coastal deserts, high Andean mountains, Amazon rainforest, and tropical lowlands
Major Rivers: Amazon River, Ucayali River, Marañón River, Madre de Dios River
Major Mountains: Andes Mountain Range, Mount Huascarán (highest point), Mount Salkantay
Deserts: Sechura Desert, Atacama Desert (northern portion)
Lakes: Lake Titicaca (largest lake in South America by volume)
Volcanoes: Mount Misti, Mount Ubinas, Mount Sabancaya
Highest Point: Mount Huascarán (6,768 m / 22,205 ft)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (sea level)
Climate: Varies from arid desert along the coast, temperate in the highlands, to tropical in the Amazon Basin
Geological Features: Andes Mountain range, Inca archaeological sites, Amazon Basin, volcanic activity

Ethnic Groups: Mestizo (mixed European and Indigenous), Indigenous (Quechua, Aymara), European, African, Asian
Religion: Roman Catholic (approximately 81%), Evangelical Protestant (approximately 13%), other (approximately 6%)
Urban Population: ~80% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~7% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Ancient Inca civilization, Machu Picchu, rich folklore, and cuisine
Cuisine: Ceviche, cuy (guinea pig), lomo saltado, pisco sour
Arts: Traditional weaving, pottery, music (Andean and Afro-Peruvian styles), dance (such as Marinera)
Sports: Football (soccer), volleyball, surfing, basketball, and traditional sports like Pelota Purépecha

Economy Type: Developing mixed economy with strong reliance on mining, agriculture, and services
GDP: Approx. $260 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Mining (gold, copper, silver), agriculture (coffee, asparagus, potatoes), textiles, fishing, and tourism
Key Exports: Copper, gold, fishmeal, coffee, asparagus
Unemployment Rate: ~6.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Coastal regions (agriculture, industry), Andean region (mining), Amazon region (forestry and agriculture)

Government Type: Unitary presidential republic
Head of State: President Dina Boluarte (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Dina Boluarte (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (Congress of the Republic)
Constitution: In effect since 1993, with amendments

Machu Picchu: Ancient Inca city and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cusco: Former Inca capital, historical buildings, and gateway to the Sacred Valley
Lima: Historical city with colonial architecture, museums, and vibrant cuisine
Lake Titicaca: Highest navigable lake in the world, with floating islands and Indigenous culture
Arequipa: Scenic city with colonial architecture and nearby Colca Canyon
Nazca Lines: Mysterious ancient geoglyphs in the desert
Amazon Rainforest: Access to unique biodiversity, indigenous communities, and eco-tourism