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PERU
| Most Peruvians are "mestizo," a term that usually refers to a mixture of Amerindians and Peruvians of European descent. Peruvians of European descent make up about 15% of the population; there also are smaller numbers of persons of African, Japanese, and Chinese descent. In the past decade, Peruvians of Asian heritage have made significant advancements in business and political fields; the president, a cabinet member, and several members of the Peruvian congress are of Japanese or Chinese descent. |
Population (2003 est.): 28.4 million.
Annual growth rate (2003 est.): 1.61%.
Ethnic groups (1961): Indian 45%. Mestizo 37%. White 15%. Black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%.
Religion (2003): Roman Catholic (90%).
Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara and a large number of minor Amazonian languages.
Education (2003): Years compulsory--11. Literacy--about 90.9%.
Health (2003): Infant mortality rate--36.97/1,000. Life expectancyÑ68.45 male; 73.43 female.
Work force (2001, 12.2 million): Manufacturing--12.6%; commerce--27.8%; agriculture--8.4%; mining--0.6%; construction--4.4%; hotels and restaurants--7.8%; transportationÊand communications--8.4%; other services--29.1% (including government). |
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