Peru, once part of the Inca Empire, was conquered by Spain. The island was under the Spanish rule till 1824, when Peru declared its independence. For the next one century, Peru fought a number of wars with Spain and Chile. It then came out of almost two decades of dictatorship after the first free elections were held in 1945 and José Luis Bustamente Rivero was elected as President.  

Peruvian culture is a combination of several traditions and cultures mainly the American, Spanish and several other ethnic groups from Africa, Europe and Asia. Artistry is an important part of the culture. Peruvians are experts in pottery, jewellery production, weaving and sculpting. Peruvian music with its Andean, Spanish and African roots is very diverse. Folk dances like Marinera Norteña, Tondero and Huayno are important elements of culture.      

Peru is divided into three geographic regions: the coastal region in the west, the narrow plains which comprise a number of valleys, and the highlands which are made up of massifs, canyons and plateaus. Peru has Ecuador and Colombia to its north, Brazil to its east, Chile to its south, and the Pacific Ocean to its west.