Week 27: Peru

Hola from Peru!

Well, not really from Peru, but you know what I mean :)  This week we'll be learning what we can about this diverse country.  Here are a few things that you might find interesting-

• The capital is Lima (also it's largest city) and the coordinates on the map are 12.04°S/ 77.02°W.
• The official language is Spanish but the native languages of Quechua and Aymara are also spoken.
• Peru was a part of the Incan Empire and also the home of one of the oldest civilizations in the world, the Norte Chico.
• The great Incan temple, Machu Picchu, is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

 

• Peru was once a Spanish colony (wasn't everything it seems?) but gained it's independence in 1821.  It was the last Sout American country to do so.
• Lake Titicaca (I can't help but snicker a little) is shared with Peru by Bolivia and is the largest lake in South America.
• Peru is one of the top producers in the world of Zinc, copper, silver and lead.  They are also one of the oldest petroleum producers.
• Sunflowers, tomatoes, potatoes, and avocadoes are all native to Peru (although some websites disputed that).  Potatoes have been grown in the Andes for over 7,000 years.

• The country of Peru has many different climates from desert to rainforest. 
• The Amazon River, the largest river (by volume) in the world, starts in Peru.

Whew, there's a lot to learn.  This week we'll learn about the animals of Peru, of course, the food and we'll hit up the local library to find some great books!  I'm ready to learn something new, are you??