Living in Peru: the ultimate expat guide

Besides Ecuador, Brazil, etc, Peru has also become an interesting destination for expatriates over the years. Indeed, it has been attracting tourists and expatriates worldwide, not only for its huge historical and cultural heritage but also for its economic dynamism and various opportunities provided in different fields. Hence, Peru can be the ideal place to move with your family is you are looking for a change in lifestyle, surrounded by nature and culture. Discover the 'Land of Incas'!

Geography and demography

Peru is South America's third biggest country, surrounded by Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chilli and some 2,400 km of coastline. Stretching over 1,285,220 km², it hosts a population of more than 30 million inhabitants. As a Republic whose political system is based on the 1993 Constitution, Peru is divided into 24 regions.

Note that more than a half of the country's total population is concentrated in only 5 of these 24 regions. These are, namely Lima, Piura, La Libertad, Cajamarca and Puno. Lima, which is the capital city, as well as Arequipa, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura, Iquitos, Cuzco, Chimbote Huancayo and Tacna are the major Peruvian cities.

Indeed, the country's population density is deemed to be rather low, with 23.2 inhabitants per square kilometer. Hence, Peru is one of the continent's least densely populated countries. Moreover, the breakdown seems to be rather unequal with a bigger population in the coastal regions and less inhabitants in others. For instance, Madre de Dios hosts 1.3 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Languages

With the introduction of the 1993 Constitution in the Republic of Peru, Spanish has become its official language. However, other languages such as Quechua and Aymara are also deemed to be official languages in some regions. Other indigenous languages are also widely spoken in some regions.

Nature and climate

Peru experiences a tropical climate in the East and a desert and dry climate in the West. In the Andes mountains, the climate is temperate, and even goes cold, depending on the altitude. Note that Peru is often victim of earthquakes due to the volcanic activities of Central Andes, in the South of the country.

Moreover, the El Nino phenomenon (coastal current during the hot season, shortly after Christmas) occasions floods and landslides. Besides, Peru is located is very vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location on a seismic fault line. These remain rather weak though. Security measures are taught and evacuation exercises are often carried out as precautionary measures, especially in schools and on work sites.

Economy

The Peruvian economy is rather well known the Latin America, thanks to its dynamism. Indeed, the economy mainly relies on exports, consumption and on public and private investment. Among the main economic pillars you have the extraction, processing and export of natural, agricultural and marine resources, etc. Important investments in infrastructure, namely in tap water distribution, rural electric systems, roads, education and health care, etc, have also boosted the economy.

As regards tourism, which used to be a really promising field, it was interrupted by terrorism in the 1980s. But years later, the government has set up a National Tourism Promotion Commission so as to enhance the country's image on the international level. Thus, tourism has taken a new birth, but it is not yet as important as it used to be in the past to be considered as an economic pillar.

Why Peru?

Living in Peru can have several advantages, depending on your lifestyle. Thanks to its growth rate, estimated at 6% by the Latin American and Caribbean's Economic Commission, Peru is deemed to be a land of opportunities, both in terms of employment and investment. The country is also very open towards volunteers, students, education and health care professionals, etc.

Besides that, Peru not only has a rich geographical and cultural legacy but also a warm and hospitable population.

Useful links:

Expat.com ' Peru
Peru Tourism Portal www.peru.travel