Geography
Peru is the third largest country in South America, after Brazil and Argentina. It is made up of a variety of landscapes, from mountains and beaches to deserts and rain forests. Most people live along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, where the capital, Lima, is located. People and Culture
The people of Peru are a mix of many different cultures, including Indians, Spaniards and other Europeans, descendants of African slaves, and Asians. Until recently, most people lived in the countryside. But now, more than 70 percent live in cities. Most Peruvians follow the Catholic religion introduced by the Spanish. Sports
Some of the world's greatest soccer players come from Peru. Children play soccer in the streets and adults play it a lot too. |
Languages Quechua (pronounced "qheshwa") is one of the two official languages in Peru (the other is Spanish). It was also the official language of the Inca Empire. Click and listen below to hear some simple phrases spoken in Quechua. History Peru is a very old country. The earliest inhabitants arrived there about 15,000 years ago. Societies emerged on the west coast more than 5,000 years ago and began to spread inland. These included the Chavín, the Moche, and the Nasca. One of the most important Peruvian cultures was the Inca, who lived in Peru around 600 years ago. Their capital, Cusco, is still a major city today. The Inca also built Machu Picchu, a famous and mysterious ancient city in the Andes. They thrived for centuries before being conquered by the Spanish in 1532. |
Bullfighting (see above) is a popular sport that Peruvians love to watch. A man, called a torero, or bullfighter, swirls a cape around his shoulders, which makes the bull very angry. He charges at the bullfighter, who leaps away quickly to miss the bull's sharp horns.
Cockfighting is also very popular. Many countries in the world do not allow this sport. During a cockfight, trained roosters wearing sharp, curved blades on their feet fight and slash at each other until one of them can no longer fight back.
Cockfighting is also very popular. Many countries in the world do not allow this sport. During a cockfight, trained roosters wearing sharp, curved blades on their feet fight and slash at each other until one of them can no longer fight back.
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/places/find/peru/
Solski, Ruth (2007). Countries Around the Globe Series: All About Peru People and Places. Niagra Falls, NY: On the Mark Press.
Solski, Ruth (2007). Countries Around the Globe Series: All About Peru People and Places. Niagra Falls, NY: On the Mark Press.