10 Things You Don't Know About Peru

So if you're like me, until now, you knew nothing about Peru or most of the other South American Countries. I'll admit I got these facts out of one of those kiddie books at the library but here are 10 things that I found interesting about the country I'll be living and learning in this semester.

In no particular order, they are:

• Even though Cusco is best known about Peru, it isn't a major city. Not even in the top 5. You only know about it because of Machu Pichu.
• The national tree is the cinchona. The bark contains quinine, which is a key ingredient in medicines for treating malaria.
• In the 1800s guano, or bird droppings, made up more than 80% of the nation's economy.
• In 1992 President Fujimori closed congress and suspended the constitution because congress was preventing him from implementing reforms. Even though that seems a little unconstitutional he was still re-elected in 1995 and 2000.
• Although 45% of the population is made up of indigenous people, the 1st president of indigenous descent was not elected until 2001.
• Peru is on its 15th constitution since 1827.
• The government has the same branches as the US but there are 2 vice presidents...and a prime minister.
• A prosperous crop is the coca leaf, which combats altitude sickness and hunger...but is best known as the main ingredient in COCAINE.
• Peru is a gol mine..and copper..along with zinc, iron, lead, phospate, and bismuth.
• The nuevo sol paper money depicts historical figures (not just presidents) including, a military aviator, a writer, and a historian.
• The first black saint, Martin de Porres, was born in Lima. He died in 1639 but wasn't granted saint hood until 1967.

*Bonus* Guinea pigs, or cuy, are an Andean delicacy eaten fried or grilled, on special occasions.
Hope you learned atleast 1 new or interesting fact.
Hasta luego!

Edit: Thanks for the comment Anonymous. Ceviche is a very peruvian dish. But the peruvians are very proud of their food so there are multiple "official" dishes.