Peru, a western South American country, is located to the south of Columbia and the north of Chile. This country is rich in cultural anthropology and it is known by many as the cradle of the Inca Empire. Different regions, provinces, and districts comprise the territory of Peru, with Spanish as the major language. Each of these provinces and districts belong to a corresponding region. However, there is one province, which is the Lima province that does not belong to any of Peru's twenty-five regions. This province is situated in the central coast of the country with the Lima Metropolitana as its key city. The total population of Peru consists of 25,662,000 inhabitants, 72.3% of which are in urban areas while 27.7% are in rural areas. More than half of these are Peruvians while 45% are Amerindians. From this population, there are two major indigenous ethnic groups: the Quechua and the Aymara speaking populations. Aside from these two, there are also other small Amerindian tribes which are scattered all over the country. In 2005, Peru's economy has achieved its largest growth worldwide. And by April 2006, it will be consolidating a possible free trade agreement with the United States of America. However, as of the moment, both countries are still waiting for the approval of the terms by their respective congresses. Aside from USA, Peru also negotiates a Free Trade Agreement with Chile which may end by March 2006 and also with Thailand and many other countries in Mercosur. It also intends to sign free trade agreements with South Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, and the European Union. All these free trade agreements will help boost the economy of Peru by expanding the markets in which the Peruvian products are traded. These products include coffee, bananas, carrots, tropical sugar, cotton, potatoes, and tropical fruits. Fish and seafood products, petroleum derivatives, and textiles and clothing are also exported as well as different automobiles, equipment parts, and various equipment and machinery. In the coming years, Peru's economy is expected to grow continuously since these free trade agreements will bring more investment to the country. A growth in the economy will of course be beneficial to all of Peru's population. |
