Peru Country & Tourist Information

Location
Western South America.

Area
1,285,216 sq km (496,225 sq miles).

Population
28.3 million (2006 estimate).

Population Density
22 per sq km.

Capital
Lima.
Population: 8.27 million (2004).

Government
Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1824, having declared it in 1821.

Language
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages. Aymará is spoken in some areas of the region of Puno. Many other dialects exist in the jungle regions. English is spoken in major tourist areas.

Religion
89% Roman Catholic, 7% Evangelical and 4% other denominations.

Time
GMT - 5.

Electricity
220 volts AC, 60Hz. (110 volts AC is available in most 4- and 5-star hotels).

Head of State
President Alan Garcia since 2006.

Telephone
Country code: 51. Telephone cards are available in the main cities from stands and supermarkets.

Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Mobile phones can be rented in Lima and the main cities.

Internet
Public Internet booths and Internet cafes are widely available in the main cities. Coverage is sporadic.

Media
Privately-run broadcasters and newspapers dominate the Peruvian media scene, with the state-run media having relatively small audiences. The airwaves of Lima are home to dozens of radio stations and several TV services. Many radio stations and regional newspapers are available in the provinces.

Post
Airmail to Western Europe takes up to one week. Postal facilities are limited outside Lima. First-class airmail from Europe or North America addressed to PO boxes in Peru usually takes only a few days, but may be subject to delay. The main post office (Correo Central de Lima) is near the Plaza de Armas.

Press
• Morning dailies include El Bocón, El Comercio, Gestión and La República.

Radio
• Radio Programas de Peru (RPP) is a popular Lima-based news and talk station.
• Radio Panamericana and Radio America are commercial FM stations based in Lima.
• News and music radio station Radio Nacional is state run.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.

2007
1 Jan New Year’s Day. 
5 Apr Maundy Thursday.
6 Apr Good Friday.
1 May Labor Day.
29 Jun St Peter’s and St Paul’s Day.
28-29 Jul Independence Day Celebrations.
30 Aug St Rosa of Lima Day.
8 Oct Angamos Battle.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
24 Dec Christmas Eve (half day).
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
20 Mar Maundy Thursday.
21 Mar Good Friday.
1 May Labor Day.
29 Jun St Peter’s and St Paul’s Day.
28-29 Jul Independence Day Celebrations.
30 Aug St Rosa of Lima Day.
8 Oct Angamos Battle.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
24 Dec Christmas Eve (half day).
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Contact Information:

PromPerú (Commission for the Promotion of Peru)
Calle 1 Oeste 050, Piso 13, Edificio, Mincetur, Peru
Tel: (1) 224 3131.
Website: www.peru.org.pe

Embassy of the Republic of Peru in the UK
52 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SP, UK
Tel: (020) 7235 1917 or 2545.
Website: www.peruembassy-uk.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Consular section: Tel: (020) 7838 9223.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 (general enquiries); 1500-1630 (collection point only).

Embassy of the Republic of Peru in the USA
1700 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 833 9860.
Website: www.peruvianembassy.us


Next Page »

Related Peru Content