Peru

Basic Indicators

Source: UNICEF: The State of the World's Children Report

Population: 28,837,000 (2008)
National language: Spanish, Quechua
Per capita income: US$ 3,990/year (2008)
Life expectancy: 73 (2008)
% of population using
improved drinking water sources: 84% (2006)
% of population using
adequate sanitation facilities: 72% (2006)
Under 5 Mortality Rate: 24/1,000 live births (2008)

Peru is the home of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City” of the Incan Empire and one of the most famous archaeological finds in history.

Slightly smaller than Alaska, Peru is located in South America, south of Ecuador on the Pacific Coast. A constant challenge for Peruvians is the threat of El Niño, a weather phenomenon that can give rise to devastating floods and storms.

Peru’s economy centers on offshore fishing, the exploitation of metal and mineral deposits in the Andes Mountains, and a large influx of tourism to Machu Picchu and other attractions. Fluctuations in world prices for minerals make for economic instability, and in rural areas farmers struggle with difficult and unpredictable weather patterns.

Plan's programs benefit more than 310,000 people in over 250 communities in Peru. Except in emergency situations, Plan does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

Hear from the children

An essential part of Plan's work is empowering children to discuss the issues that matter to them and to take part in decisions that affect their lives. To help you learn about these issues, the children in Plan communities have put together a series of publications called "See Our World": Read what the children have to say about their lives.