Peruvian

Peruvian is the demonym for the people of Peru and the adjective for things related to the country. The term is used in English to refer to nationality, culture, language, or goods from Peru.

Peru’s population is multiethnic, with Indigenous peoples such as Quechua and Aymara communities forming a large component, alongside mestizos, Afro-Peruvians, and people of European, Asian, and other ancestries.

The official and common languages are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. Spanish is the most widely spoken; Quechua and Aymara are widely used in their respective regions and have recognition in education and government in many areas.

Peru is located in western South America, bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its landscapes range from the Andean highlands to the Amazon rainforest and coastal deserts, with rich biodiversity and sites such as Machu Picchu.

The region was home to sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, notably the Inca Empire. Spanish conquest began in the 16th century, and Peru gained independence in 1821. Since then, it has developed into a republic with a diverse cultural heritage.

Peruvian culture blends Indigenous, European, African, and Asian influences, reflected in music, festivals, and cuisine. Peruvian cuisine includes dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina, and is characterized by a wide variety of peppers, seafood, and agricultural products. The economy relies on mining, agriculture, fishing, and tourism.