Peru
Republic of Peru
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.55%
With a population of roughly 34.4 million, Peru ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 1.29 million km², translating to a density of 27 people per km². Its capital is Lima, and official languages include Aymara, Quechua, and Spanish, while the Peruvian sol serves as the national currency.
Population
34,350,244
Area
1,285,216 km²
Density
27/km²
World Rank
#43
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 15.9 per thousand against deaths at 5.5 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 24% of residents under 15 and 9.2% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Lima
- Region
- Americas
- Subregion
- South America
- Continent
- South America
- Languages
- Aymara, Quechua, Spanish
- Currencies
- Peruvian sol (S/ )
- Calling Code
- +51
- Top-Level Domain
- .pe
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-05:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 34,350,244
- Land Area
- 1,285,216 km²
- Population Density
- 27 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.55%
- Annual Growth
- +188,926 people
- Daily Growth
- +518 people
- World Population Share
- 0.42%
- Coordinates
- -10.00°, -76.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $8.5k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 5.1%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 40.1 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
77.7 years
GDP per Capita
$8,452
Birth Rate
15.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
85.2%
Fertility Rate
1.98 births/woman
Infant Mortality
13.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.1%
Literacy Rate
93.7%
Internet Users
82.0%
Under 15
24.0%
Over 65
9.2%
Health Spending
5.6% GDP
Gini Index
40.1
Age Distribution
0-14 years
8.2M
15-64 years
22.9M
65+ years
3.2M
Urbanization
Peru is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 85.2% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Lima, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net inward migration of 11931.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
29.3M
85.2%
5.1M
14.8%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 77.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 13.5 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 93.7% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Peru
Peru has 26 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Peru is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 2.0 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Peru participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 34,350,244 |
| 2030 | 35,137,629 |
| 2035 | 36,200,555 |
| 2040 | 37,348,609 |
| 2045 | 38,580,056 |
| 2050 | 39,893,821 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Peru.
Largest Cities in Peru
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Peru by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Peru?
The population of Peru is approximately 34.4 million as of 2026, making it #43 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Peru?
The capital of Peru is Lima.
What languages are spoken in Peru?
The main languages spoken in Peru are Aymara, Quechua, Spanish.
How big is Peru?
Peru covers an area of 1,285,216 km² with a population density of 27 people per km².
Is Peru growing or shrinking?
Peru is growing at a rate of 0.55% per year, adding approximately 188,926 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Peru?
The average life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Peru?
The GDP per capita of Peru is $8,452.