What Is The Capital Of Peru?

Lima sits along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
Lima sits along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

Lima is Peru’s capital, as well as the country's most populous city. The city covers an area of 2,672.3 square km, while the Lima Metropolitan Area, which includes the city and the seaport of Callao, has a total area of is 2,819.3 square km and a population of 12,140,000. Lima is the fourth-largest city in South America by population.

Where Is Peru?

Peru is a nation located in the western part of South America. The country is bordered by Colombia and Ecuador to the north, and Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile to the east, southeast, and south, respectively. Peru is also bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west. The country covers a total area of 1,285,216 square km and has a population of approximately 31,237,385. The country is known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife.

What Type of Government Does Peru Have?

Peru is governed as a semi-presidential representative democratic republic. The President of Peru serves as the head of the government and the head of government. The president also appoints the Prime Minister and the remaining members of the Council of Minister. Peru's legislative power is vested in the Congress of the Republic, which is a unicameral body made up of 130 members.

Where Is the Capital of Peru Located?

The city of Lima is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Most parts of the city are located on relatively flat terrain within the valleys of three rivers: the Lurín, Chillón, and Rímac. The city's elevation gradually increases with distance from the coastline, leading to mountains as high as 5,090 ft in the periphery of Lima, as well as isolated hills within the city. The center of the city is located approximately 15 km away from the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, on the banks of the Rímac River.

History of Lima

The area that is now the city of Lima was initially occupied by various indigenous South American peoples. During the 15th century, the region came under the rule of the Inca Empire. In 1532, the Spanish defeated, the Inca ruler, Atahualpa, and took over the kingdom. Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro established the city of Lima on January 18, 1535, which quickly grew to become one of the most important cities in the region, and was designated as the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. When Peru gained independence on July 28, 1821, and Lima was named as the capital of the independent Republic of Peru.

Role of Lima as the Capital of Peru?

As the national capital, the three branches of the Peruvian government operate in Lima. The Government Palace, located in the Plaza Mayor, serves as the headquarters of the government's executive branch and ministries. The legislative and judicial branches of the Peruvian government operate from the Legislative Palace and the Palace of Justice in Lima, respectively. The city is also the economic, commercial, cultural, and educational hub of the nation.

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