Peru

The Pacific Ocean borders this nation on the West Coast of South America that is slightly smaller than Alaska. It supports a population of over 26 million people on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. With only 3% of the land arable, and the natural hazards of earthquakes, flooding and tsunamis, the economic challenges are great.

Peru's recent political history has been turbulent. In 1968, a military coup ousted the civilian government. After twelve years of military rule, Peru returned to civilian government in 1980. During the 1980s, Peru was torn by terrorist activities and government counterattacks. The 1990s have brought some political relief but continued economic struggles.

The capital city of Lima is located on the coast, home to most of the white and mestizo (of mixed heritage) ruling class. People in Lima live an average of 20 years longer than those in the highland. Several million Peruvians, many of them Indians, live in extreme poverty. The infant mortality rate is very high, and inflation has slowed after twenty three years at a galloping pace.

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