n of regions
(regiones, singular - region) to function eventually as autonomous
economic and administrative entities; so far, 12 regions have been
constituted from 23 of the 24 departments - Amazonas (from Loreto),
Andres Avelino Caceres (from Huanuco, Pasco, Junin), Arequipa (from
Arequipa), Chavin (from Ancash), Grau (from Tumbes, Piura), Inca
(from Cusco, Madre de Dios, Apurimac), La Libertad (from La
Libertad), Los Libertadores-Huari (from Ica, Ayacucho,
Huancavelica), Mariategui (from Moquegua, Tacna, Puno), Nor Oriental
del Maranon (from Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas), San Martin (from
San Martin), Ucayali (from Ucayali); formation of another region has
been delayed by the reluctance of the constitutional province of
Callao to merge with the department of Lima; because of inadequate
funding from the central government and organizational and political
difficulties, the regions have yet to assume major responsibilities;
the 1993 constitution retains the regions but limits their
authority; the 1993 constitution also reaffirms the roles of
departmental and municipal governments

Independence: 28 July 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday: Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

Constitution: 31 December 1993

Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: President Alejandro TOLEDO (since
28 July 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government; additionally two vice presidents are provided
for by the Constitution, First Vice President Raul DIEZ Conseco
(since 28 July 2001) and Second Vice President David WAISMAN (since
28 July 2001)

head of government: President Alejandro TOLEDO (since 28 July
2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government; additionally two vice presidents are provided for by the
Constitution, First Vice President Raul DIEZ Conseco (since 28 July
2001) and Second Vice President David WAISMAN (since 28 July 2001)

note: Prime Minister Roberto DANINO (since 28 July 2001) does not
exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of the president

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
special presidential election held 8 April 2001 with runoff election
3 June 2001); next to be held NA 2006

election results: President TOLEDO elect