Peruvians

Peruvians are the citizens and nationals of the Republic of Peru, a country located in western South America. This includes individuals who are born in Peru, naturalized citizens, and descendants of Peruvian citizens as defined by Peruvian nationality law.

The term "Peruvians" encompasses a diverse population with a rich cultural heritage shaped by indigenous civilizations (such as the Inca Empire), Spanish colonial influence, and more recent waves of immigration. The population is composed of a mixture of ethnicities, including Indigenous peoples, Mestizos (mixed Indigenous and European descent), Europeans, Africans, and Asians.

The cultural identity of Peruvians is complex and varies regionally. It is expressed through diverse traditions, languages (Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, among others), cuisine, music, dance, and art. Key aspects of Peruvian culture include a strong emphasis on family, community, and religious traditions (primarily Catholicism, but with syncretic elements incorporating indigenous beliefs).

The official language of Peru is Spanish, but Quechua and Aymara are also recognized as official languages in areas where they are predominant. Peruvian society is characterized by a wide range of socioeconomic conditions, with disparities existing between urban and rural areas and among different ethnic groups. Significant contributions have been made by Peruvians in various fields, including literature, science, politics, and the arts.