York, Paterson (New Jersey), San Francisco, Washington (DC)
FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124 telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
John R. HAMILTON embassy: Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17s/n, Surco, Lima
33 mailing address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima),
APO AA 34031-5000 telephone: [51] (1) 434-3000 FAX: [51] (1) 434-3037

Flag description: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side),
white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the
coat of arms features a shield bearing a vicuna, cinchona tree (the
source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins,
all framed by a green wreath

Economy Peru

Economy - overview: Thanks to strong foreign investment and the
cooperation between the government and the IMF and World Bank, growth
was strong in 1994-97 and inflation was brought under control. In 1998,
El Nino's impact on agriculture, the financial crisis in Asia, and
instability in Brazilian markets undercut growth. And 1999 was another
lean year for Peru, with the aftermath of El Nino and the Asian financial
crisis working its way through the economy. Political instability
resulting from the presidential election and FUJIMORI's subsequent
departure from office limited growth in 2000. The downturn in the global
economy further depressed growth in 2001. President TOLEDO, who assumed
the presidency in July 2001, is working to reinvigorate the economy and
reduce unemployment. Economic growth in 2002 is projected to be 3 to 3.5%.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $132 billion (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: -0.3% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $4,800 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 10% industry: 35% services:
55% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 50% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.6%
highest 10%: 35.4% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index: 46.2 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (2001 est.)

Labor force: 7.5 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture, mining and quarrying,
manufacturing, construction, transport, services

Unemployment rate: 9%; widespread underemployment (2001 est.)

Budget: revenues: $10.4 billion expenditures: $10.4 billion, including
capital expenditures of $NA (2002 est.)

Industries: mining of me