Peru

Official name of country: Republic of Peru

Population: 29.1 million

Capital City: Lima

Time Difference: Peru is on Central Standard Time, so it is 1 hour behind the east coast and 2 hours ahead of the west coast.

National Animal: Vicuña

National Currency: Nuevo sol

National Flower: Cantuta

National Food: Ceviche

Languages: Although Spanish is the primary language in Peru, there are a number of languages spoken by people in the Andes. Today, there are still many indigenous languages thriving throughout the country. The most prominent second tongue is Quechua, which is spoken by about 13% of the population. Your Spanish courses will surely improve your language skills, but feel free to try your hand at learning some new Quechua phrases too!

Geography: Peru is located on the western side of South America and shares borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. The majestic Andes comprise most of the topography of Peru and divide the country into three distinct regions: the coast, the highlands, and the jungle. In just one country you will find arid plains, plateaus, snow-covered mountain peaks, and flat Amazon rainforest terrain. Climate, like the geography, varies throughout the country.

Famous People: Pietro Sibille (actor), Mariano Melgar (poet), Ricardo Palma (author), José Sabogal (painter), and Yma Sumac (singer).

Great Movies: Piratas en el Callao; The Milk of Sorrow; Dragones: Destino de Fuego; City of M; La Mujer de mi Hermano.