At more than 11,000 feet above sea level, the city of Cusco is known for its thin, dry air. The noses and cheeks of children are red with windburn and cracked from lack of moisture. At this altitude, it is chilly even in the October springtime. Each day, children come from surrounding villages to this small school run by a severe-looking, but kind-hearted woman who has dedicated her life to teaching. Her classrooms are crowded and cold, and lack the most basic supplies. Nonetheless, the rooms are filled with the happy chatter of small children. Their broad smiles announce how glad they are to attend this place of learning every day.
Photo © 2003 Alison Hoeman
Peru/República del Perú
Western South America, bordering Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador. Western coastal plain, high, rugged Andes in center, eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin. 1,285,216 km2 (slightly < AK), 3% arable.
Capital Lima (8.8M)
Population 29.5M (23/km2)
Life expectancy 73 years
Lang(s) Spanish OFFICIAL 84% & Quechua 13%, Aymara 1.7%, Ashaninka and other native languages (includes many Amazonian languages) < 2%
Religions Roman Catholic 81%, Evangelical 13%, other 3%, unspecified/ none 3%
Ethnic Groups Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian & white) 37%, white 15%, black; Japanese, Chinese, other 3%
Gov’t Constitutional Republic
PCVs 1962-74, 2002-present; small business development, youth outreach, community health, environmental awareness. Volunteers in country: 299; total to date: 3,060).
Nat’l holiday Independence Day, 28 July (1821)