Peru is one of the most mineralized regions of the world and it has a long, rich mining history of over 400 years. The country's government is mining friendly, has a relatively quick approval cycle and high environmental standards. Peru is the world's largest producer of silver and is in the top five for global production of gold (5), copper (3) and zinc (3). Gold and copper are the country's top two exports. In 2006, the country had gold exports worth over 4 billion dollars US and copper exports worth over 6 billion dollars US.

Peru's population is estimated at 28.7 million and it is the 3rd largest country in South America at 1.3 million square kilometres, slightly larger than Ontario, Canada. Over 27 percent of the country's population resides in Lima, the capital of Peru, which has a population of 7.6 million.

Lima is a boisterous, fast-moving city whose energy is mellowed by the sea and the beaches. The city is renowned for the hospitality of its residents and its sublime food. Lima, founded in 1535 by Pizarro, is the largest urban area on the western side of South America and it dominates Peru's economic and cultural life. It has five national universities, including the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos which was established in 1551, making it the oldest in the Americas.

Peru is a country of amazing biodiversity with three strikingly different zones running the length of the country. The extremely arid coastal zone includes part of the Atacama Desert, one of the world's driest. Lima is basically located in a huge oasis in the dry coastal area. The Andes Mountains have hundreds of snow capped peaks, many over 6,000 metres and the south-east area includes Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. In the eastern part of the country is the lushly tropical Amazonian rainforest, where some areas are so dense that they are only accessible by river.