PERU By: Brian ,Rene

Peru culture The culture of modern Peru is born out of the interactions between the indigenous populations, Hispanic settlers, and later immigrant groups. This diversity, combined with the incredible geographic diversity, combine to form a country with many unique settings and communities where access to services and traditions vary widely. Life in the highlands and life in the city of Lima will be radically different. In the mid 19th century, Chinese and Japanese laborers were the backbone of Peru’s efforts to build its railways. The large immigrant population produced the first Japanese head of state outside of Japan. President Fujimori of Peru has since been brought up on war crimes and remains a sore subject for many Peruvians. Peruvians are accustomed to dealing with dramatically different temperatures, altitudes, and climates. In total, 28 of 32 possible world climates are represented in this relatively small Andean nation

Peru food Peru is home to some of the greatest diversity of crops in the world! There are around 35 varieties of corn, 15 species of tomatoes, 2,000 varieties of potato (of 3,000 total worldwide) and 2,016 varieties of sweet potatoes. There are several regional differences in Peruvian cuisine. The cuisine on the coasts is influenced by Chinese, Japanese, Moorish, African, and native traditions. It takes advantage of the extraordinary variety of fish species present in Peruvian waters. The food of Lima and the central coast has a more Latin influence, while still incorporating the input of immigrant populations. Popular dishes include Tamales, papas, ceviche, papa rellena, arroz con pollo, and many other dishes, of which many may sound familiar. Andean cuisine tends to be more hardy. Popular dishes include pachamanca (slow cooked herbs, vegetables, and pork/beef), trout dishes, or olluquito. Cooks in the Andean mountains cure meet through a technique of dehydrating and salting called charqui. The word “jerky” in English is derived from a quechua word describing this process! One of the more infamous Peruvian dishes, Cuy chactado or fried guinea pig, is a traditional Andean meal. Jungle cuisine in Peru is highly local. It utilizes an array of exotic fruits and local animal species, notable the paiche (one of the world’s largest fresh water fish). The national drink of Peru is Pisco, a kind of brandy made from grapes.

Peru arts Peru before the arrival of Spanish settlers and conquistadors was one of the major artistic centers in the New World. Examples of the exquisite crafts, drawings, and architecture still survive. One of the more notable examples is Macchu Picchu. Colonial Peru was witness to a blend of Spanish baroque with creole and mestizo art.

Peru religion 89% of Peruvians over 12 identify themselves as Catholic. 6.7% identify as Evangelicals, while 2.6% claim other denominations of Christianity. Only two thirds of Peruvians participate in services. Some of this is owed to the widespread distribution of churches, clergymen, and parishes who rotate among rural communities.