Peru Geography: Location, Area, Borders & Climate

Peru is a country in South America, South America, covering a total area of 1,285,216 km². It has a coastline of 2,414 km along the South America coast. Peru shares land borders with 5 countries.

📐 Geographic Statistics

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Continent
South America
geographical continent
📍
Region
South America
sub-region
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Total Area
1,285,216 km²
land coverage
🏙️
Pop. Density
26/km²
people per km²
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Coastline
2,414 km
total shore length
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Timezone
UTC−5
UTC offset
🎂
Independence
1821
year established
🌡️
Climate
Highly varied, desert coast, Andes highlands, Amazon jungle
general type

Where is Peru Located?

Peru is situated in South America, within the broader continent of South America. The country has a coastline of 2,414 km, providing access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism. This geographic feature has been central to Peru's historical development and economic activity. The capital, Lima, serves as the country's administrative and economic centre. Within the South America region, Peru sits alongside countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile.

Size and Area of Peru

Peru covers a total area of 1,285,216 km², making it one of the smaller nations in the world. With a population of 33.4M across this territory, the population density works out at 26/km²: a moderate distribution of people across the country.

Climate of Peru

The climate of Peru is highly varied, desert coast, andes highlands, amazon jungle. The most favourable time to visit is May–October (Machu Picchu), year-round (Amazon), when conditions are most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Climate can vary considerably across different parts of the country; coastal areas, highlands and inland plains often experience quite different conditions. Travellers should research the specific region they plan to visit to plan appropriate clothing and activities.

🗺️ Countries Bordering Peru

Peru shares land borders with 5 countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile. This large number of shared borders reflects Peru's central geographical position within South America.

Ecuador
Ecuador
Quito
Colombia
Colombia
Bogotá
Brazil
Brazil
Brasília
Bolivia
Bolivia
Sucre / La Paz
Chile
Chile
Santiago

Frequently Asked Questions about Peru's Geography

Where is Peru located?

Peru is located in South America, South America. The capital city is Lima.

How large is Peru?

Peru has a total area of 1,285,216 km² with a population density of 26/km².

What countries border Peru?

Peru shares land borders with 5 countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile.

Does Peru have a coastline?

Yes, Peru has a coastline of 2,414 km.

What is the climate of Peru?

The climate of Peru is Highly varied, desert coast, Andes highlands, Amazon jungle. The best time to visit is May–October (Machu Picchu), year-round (Amazon).

What timezone is Peru in?

Peru observes UTC−5 timezone.

What continent is Peru in?

Peru is in South America, specifically in the South America region.

When did Peru become independent?

Peru gained independence in 1821.

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