Overview
Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country located in western South America. It shares borders with Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, and Chile to the south, while its western edge meets the Pacific Ocean. Covering an area of 1,285,216 square kilometers (496,225 square miles), Peru is the 19th largest country in the world and the third largest in South America. The nation has a population of more than 32 million people, with Lima serving as both its capital and largest city.
Geography and Environment
Peru is recognized as a megadiverse country, meaning it harbors an exceptionally high level of biodiversity across a wide range of habitats. Its landscape spans three dramatically different regions:
- The Coast: A narrow strip of arid plains stretching along the Pacific Ocean in the west.
- The Andes: The towering Andes mountain range runs through the country from the north to the southeast, creating a rugged highland spine.
- The Amazon Basin: To the east lies tropical rainforest, fed by the Amazon River, one of the most biologically rich environments on Earth.
This combination of coastal desert, high-altitude mountains, and dense rainforest gives Peru an unusually wide variety of ecosystems and climates within a single country.
Location in South America
Peru's position on the western side of the continent places it at a crossroads of diverse natural and cultural influences. Its neighbors include some of South America's other major nations, and its long Pacific coastline has historically shaped trade, fishing, and settlement patterns along the western edge of the country.
Population and Cities
With a population exceeding 32 million, Peru is home to a large and diverse citizenry. Lima, the capital, stands as the country's largest city and serves as its political, economic, and cultural center.