Instant Access To 100,000+ Essays!

Peru is a country in west central South America, bounded on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil and Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The area of Peru, including several offshore islands, is 1,285,220 sq km, making it third in size (after Brazil and Argentina) of South American countries. Lima is the country's capital and chief commercial center. The largest city in Peru is Lima, the country's capital and chief commercial center. Other important cities include Callao, a major port located near Lima; Arequipa, an industrial center; Trujillo, a commercial center; Chiclayo, in the sugar district; and Cuzco, famous for its Inca ruins. Peru was the home of several predominant Andean civilizations. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces were defeated in 1824. After dozens of years in military rule, Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems and the growth of violent rebellion. Peru’s climate varies from tropical in the east to dry desert in the west. It is also temperate to frigid in the Andes. Peru’s population is roughly 27,949,639 (July 2002 est.), giving the country an estimated overall population d