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PERU
republic, with its capital in Lima,
, is the third largest country in South America. It has a diverse geography, including coast, sierra (mountain), and selva (jungle) regions. It is the ideal spot for a hike on the Peru Inca Trail, a visit to Machu Pichu, yoga vacations or an incredible jungle vacation. The coastal area is the most important economically, as it forms the core of Peru's industrial and commercial base (extending 3,080 kilometers along the Pacific Ocean, it is more than twice the length of California's coastline). The coastal territory contains one third of Peru's proven national oil reserves, as well as a significant amount of natural gas reserves. Peru's principal reserves of copper, silver, lead and zinc are located in the sierra region, and the selva region produces some two-thirds of Peru's oil as well as harbors tremendous timber reserves.
With
a total estimated population of
24 million, Peru is the fourth most populated
country in South America. Only 30% of
Peruvians live in rural areas, while some
70% reside in urban areas. One-third of
the Peruvian work force is based in Lima
and its vicinity. Peru's most populous
cities outside of Metropolitan Lima include
Arequipa (800,000), Trujillo (500,000)
Chiclayo (400,000) and Cusco (300,000). Visit Peru to hike the Peru Inca Trail, Machu Pichu, take a yoga vacations of an amazing jungle vacation.
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