Peru: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Peru 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Peru: 68
  • Happiness Score Peru:5.841

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Peru. PE.

    Peru is a South American country with a presidential representative democratic republic. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, including vibrant festivals and traditional music and dance. The economy is driven by agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.

  • Peru is home to Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city and UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • The Andes Mountains run through Peru, making it the world’s second-highest country.
  • Peru is a leading producer of copper, silver, and gold, contributing to its significant economic importance in the region.
  • Peru – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The territory of modern-day Peru has been inhabited for thousands of years, with some of the earliest known civilizations emerging in the region. The Norte Chico civilization, which flourished along the Pacific coast from around 3500 to 1800 BCE, is considered one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas. Other ancient cultures, such as the Chavín, Paracas, and Nazca, left behind remarkable archaeological remains and artifacts.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    One of the most significant empires that ruled over the Peruvian territory was the Inca Empire, which emerged in the 13th century and reached its peak in the 15th and early 16th centuries. The Incas established a vast empire stretching from modern-day southern Colombia to central Chile, with their capital in Cusco. Their advanced engineering, architecture, and sophisticated social and political structures left a lasting legacy.

    Colonial Period:

    In 1532, Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro initiated the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. After a bloody conquest, the Spanish established the Viceroyalty of Peru in 1542, which became a major colonial center for the Spanish Empire. The colonial period saw the imposition of Spanish rule, the introduction of Catholicism, and the exploitation of indigenous labor and natural resources.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    Peru gained independence from Spain in 1821 after a protracted struggle led by José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar. The early years of the republic were marked by political instability, territorial disputes, and economic challenges. In the 20th century, Peru experienced periods of authoritarian rule, social unrest, and internal conflicts, including the Shining Path insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s. Since the 2000s, Peru has experienced relative political stability and economic growth.

    Current Political Situation:

    Peru is a unitary semi-presidential republic with a multi-party democratic system. The current president is Dina Boluarte, who assumed office in 2022 after the impeachment of Pedro Castillo. Recent years have seen political tensions and protests, highlighting the need for institutional reforms and addressing socioeconomic inequalities.

    International Relations:

    Peru maintains diplomatic relations with various countries and is an active member of regional organizations like the Andean Community, Pacific Alliance, and the Organization of American States (OAS). It has territorial disputes with Chile over maritime boundaries and with Ecuador over land borders, though tensions have eased in recent decades.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Peru has a diverse economy driven by sectors such as mining, agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The country has experienced significant economic growth in recent decades, but income inequality and poverty remain challenges. Peru ranks in the high human development category on the Human Development Index.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Peru is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the legacy of indigenous civilizations like the Incas. The country boasts a vibrant mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, reflected in its cuisine, music, and festivals. Notable cultural contributions include Peruvian literature, textile arts, and the iconic Machu Picchu.

    Conclusion: Peru faces challenges such as addressing socioeconomic inequalities, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting sustainable development while preserving its cultural heritage and natural resources. At the same time, the country’s rich history, diverse culture, and economic potential offer opportunities for growth and progress.

Main facts

Location

Peru is a country located in western South America. It borders the Pacific Ocean and is situated along the western edge of the Andes mountain range. Peru shares borders with Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, and Chile to the south.

Map References

Peru is located in the western part of South America.

Area – Comparative

With an area of approximately 1,285,216 square kilometers (496,225 square miles), Peru is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Alaska.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Peru has land borders with the following countries:

Coastline

Peru has a coastline of approximately 2,414 kilometers (1,500 miles) along the Pacific Ocean. The coastal region is characterized by a narrow desert strip and is known for its fishing resources.

Maritime Claims

Peru claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 200 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles

Climate

Peru has a diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the east to dry desert along the western coast. The Andes mountains create a variety of microclimates, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations. The coastal region is generally arid, while the Amazon basin in the east is hot and humid.

Terrain

Peru’s terrain is dominated by the Andes mountain range, which runs parallel to the Pacific coast and includes high plateaus and deep valleys. The western coastal region is mostly desert, while the eastern Amazon basin consists of dense rainforests and vast plains.

Elevation Extremes

The highest elevation in Peru is Huascaran at 6,768 meters (22,205 feet) above sea level, located in the Andes mountain range. The lowest point is the Pacific Ocean at 0 meters.

Natural Resources

Peru’s major natural resources include:

  • Copper
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Petroleum
  • Timber
  • Fish
  • Iron ore
  • Coal
  • Phosphate
  • Potash
  • Hydropower
  • Natural gas

Major Bodies of Water

The major water bodies in Peru include:

  • Amazon River (shared with several other countries)
  • Ucayali River
  • Marañon River
  • Lake Titicaca (shared with Bolivia)

Natural Hazards

Common natural hazards in Peru include:

  • Earthquakes
  • Tsunamis
  • Floods
  • Landslides
  • Volcanic activity
  • Droughts

Geography – Notes

Peru is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and the coastal desert regions. The country’s geography has played a significant role in shaping its culture and history, particularly the ancient Inca civilization, which thrived in the Andean highlands.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 57.70%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 57,414. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 18.50%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -9.189967-75.015152.
  • Capital: The capital of Peru is  Lima
  • Major Cities:
    • Lima: Population approximately 10 million
    • Arequipa: Population approximately 1 million
    • Trujillo: Population approximately 0.8 million
    • Chiclayo: Population approximately 0.6 million
  • Population: 32,510,453
  • Area(Km2): 1285216
  • Population Density( P/Km²):26. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:51
  • Official Language(s):Peru is Spanish 84.1%.
  • Currency: PEN

Main Economic Indicators

Peru has a market-oriented economy with a strong service sector, followed by mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. The economy’s size stands at around $222 billion (GDP 2020) and has experienced steady growth in recent years, driven by private investment, mining exports, and domestic demand. Key economic challenges include reducing poverty and inequality, addressing infrastructure needs, and improving competitiveness. Notable policies include maintaining a low inflation rate and pursuing free trade agreements.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2021: 6.1% (Source: Central Reserve Bank of Peru)
2020: 1.7% (Source: Central Reserve Bank of Peru)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BBB+ (Stable outlook)
Moody’s: A3 (Stable outlook)
Standard & Poor’s: BBB+ (Stable outlook)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 7.6%
Industry: 32.7%
Services: 59.7%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Artichokes, asparagus, avocados, blueberries, coffee, cocoa, potatoes, quinoa, sugarcane, grapes, cotton, rice, maize, and fruits.

Industrial Products: Mining and mineral products (copper, gold, zinc, lead, iron ore, silver, tin, molybdenum), petroleum and petroleum products, fish and fish products, textiles, clothing, beverages, processed foods, cement, glass, metal fabrication, and steel.

Labor Force

Total labor force: 17.6 million (2020 est.)
Ranking: 35th largest labor force globally

Current Account Balance

Current account balance:
2021: -$5.9 billion (Source: Central Reserve Bank of Peru)
2020: $8.1 billion (Source: Central Reserve Bank of Peru)
Ranking: 98th globally (2021 est.)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $63.1 billion (2021 est.)
Key partners: China, United States, Canada, South Korea, Spain, Netherlands
Main commodities: Copper, gold, zinc, petroleum and petroleum products, fishmeal, coffee, asparagus, apparel and textiles

Imports: $53.5 billion (2021 est.)
Key partners: China, United States, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Argentina
Main commodities: Petroleum and petroleum products, machinery, vehicles, iron and steel, plastics, chemicals

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $77.8 billion (December 2021)

  • GDP (Current US$):$226,848,050,820. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.30%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 36.80%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.99. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $1.28. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 3.31%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Peruvian(s)
Adjective: Peruvian

2. Ethnic Groups

Amerindian 45%, Mestizo (Amerindian and White) 37%, White 15%, Black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

3. Religions

Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 14.1%, Other 4.5%, None 21.4%

4. Age Structure

0-14 years: 25.92%
15-64 years: 66.11%
65 years and over: 7.97%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 51.5
Youth dependency ratio: 39.2
Elderly dependency ratio: 12.3

6. Median Age

Total: 29.1 years
Male: 28.4 years
Female: 29.8 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 19.7% (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 6.9 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016)
Tobacco use: 13.1% of adults (2015)
Maternal mortality ratio: 88 per 100,000 live births (2017)
Infant mortality rate: 17.8 per 1,000 live births (2020)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 76.5. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 94.5%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:17.95. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.25. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 46.5%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 25,390,339. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):30.90%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The military and security forces of Peru consist of the following main branches:

  • Peruvian Army – Ground forces, including infantry, armored, and artillery units, as well as special forces and engineering corps.
  • Peruvian Navy – Naval forces, including surface vessels, submarines, and naval aviation units.
  • Peruvian Air Force – Air force, responsible for air operations, air defense, and transport.

The National Police of Peru is responsible for maintaining internal security and public order. It includes specialized units like the Counter-Terrorism Directorate (DIRCT) and the Special Operations Directorate (DIROES).

Military Expenditures

Peru’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years are as follows:

  • 2017: 1.2%
  • 2018: 1.3%
  • 2019: 1.4%
  • 2020: 1.5%
  • 2021: 1.6%

Peru’s military spending ranks 57th globally according to the latest available data.

Personnel Strengths

Peru has 120,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown by service branch:

  • Peruvian Army: 85,000
  • Peruvian Navy: 25,000
  • Peruvian Air Force: 10,000

The National Police of Peru has an additional 120,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Peru’s military equipment includes:

  • Main battle tanks (e.g., T-55, AMX-13)
  • Armored personnel carriers (e.g., Stingray, Btr-80)
  • Artillery (e.g., M109A5, D-30)
  • Naval vessels (e.g., Lupo-class frigates, Scorpène-class submarines)
  • Combat aircraft (e.g., Mirage 2000, MiG-29)

Peru is currently pursuing acquisitions of multi-role fighter aircraft to replace its aging fleet.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Peru is voluntary for both men and women. The legal age range for enlistment is 18-30 years old. There is no mandatory military conscription.

Military Deployments

Peru currently has the following overseas military deployments:

  • UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) – Around 200 personnel
  • UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) – Around 200 personnel

Peru is also a major contributor to UN peacekeeping operations globally.

Strategic Military Notes

Peru’s defense strategy focuses on territorial defense, protecting natural resources, and combating internal threats like narco-terrorism and organized crime. The country’s military plays a key role in border security, particularly along the remote Amazonian regions.

Peru is a member of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) and has close military ties with the United States. It also participates in regional security initiatives through organizations like UNASUR and the Andean Community.

  • Armed Forces Size: 120000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.27
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 77.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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