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Peru: Machu Picchu - Travel Kids in South America

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Men on camels Egypt GettyImages-83718793 RFC

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Pyramids of Giza, Gamal Abd El-Nasir, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Giza Desert, Egypt

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Pyramids of Giza, Gamal Abd El-Nasir, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Giza Desert, Egypt

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Pyramids of Giza, Gamal Abd El-Nasir, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Giza Desert, Egypt

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Yankari Game Reserve, Mainamaji, Nigeria

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Yankari Game Reserve, Mainamaji, Nigeria

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Yankari Game Reserve, Mainamaji, Nigeria

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Great Wall of China, Huairou District, China

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Great Wall of China, Huairou District, China

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Great Wall of China, Huairou District, China

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Shaxi, Jianchuan County, Dali, Yunnan, China

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Here are some interesting China Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

China Facts for Kids

Population: more than 1.423 billion people live in China (2023). The majority of the people live in cities and towns.

Capital: Beijing with 21 million inhabitants is not only China's capital city but also the second biggest city after Shanghai.

Name: People's Republic of China (PRC)

Government: Republic, communist state

Languages: Mandarin or Standard Chinese (official language), while Cantonese (Yue) and Shanghainese (Wu) are among other most spoken languages

Literacy: More than 96% can read and write.

Religion: No main religion, as religious memberships are not supported by the government. Main religions are Buddhist (18%), Christian 5%, Muslim 1.8%, Taoist, Hindu and Folk Religions (22%)

Flag colors: red with five golden stars

National day: 1 October - in 1949 the People's Republic of China was formed

National symbols: dragon and giant panda

National colours: red and yellow

National anthem: 'March of the Volunteers'

History: For many centuries, China has been one of the most advanced civilisations accomplishing major scientific and artistic treasures. The Xia and Shang dynasties are considered as the oldest Chinese civilisations. Over the centuries many emporors ruled the country, the last emperor of China, the last ruler of the Qing dynasty, was Pu Yi who abdicted in 1912. In the 20th century the world was shaken by bloody wars and from 1937-1945 Japan occupied large industrial areas in China and took over the Chinese government. Since 1949 the Communist Party of China rules the country. The president of the People's Republic of China is Xi Jinping - since 2013.

Where is China? - China Map

China is located in the eastern parts of Asia and is the largest country that is entirely situated in Asia.

Chinaborders 14 countries.The countries bordering China are: Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar (formerly called Burma), Laos, Vietnam and North Korea (you will find them on the map below).

China has 23 provinces including the island of Taiwan.

(Please note: Taiwan is an independent country and has its own currency and government. Taiwan is officially called "Republic of China", but not part of China, however, China sees Taiwan as part of the country and as a rebel province as Taiwan is not recognised as a sovereign state by the UN.)

There are also two SARs, which are Special Administrative Regions, that have some autonomy: Hong Kong and Macau in southern China.

China for Kids | China Geography

China is the fourth largest country in the world after Russia, Canada and the USA.

Although China is so large, there is only one timezone!

Most people in China live in the eastern parts of the country, the western parts are only sparsely populated.

The Pacific Ocean forms the natural border in the east and southeast and southwest of the country. In the west, there are the Himalayas, which is the highest mountain range in the world.

Most of the western parts of the country lie on the Tibetan mountainous plateau. In fact, mountains make up the majority of the landscape, dominating over 70% of the landmass.

The huge country has many different climate zones ranging from tropic zones to arctic zones.

In the north, there is the vast Gobi Desert. Deserts make up about 20% of the country.

China Facts | China Superlatives

China is the second most populous country in the world as it is home to almost one fifth of the world population.

The highest mountain on the border with China is the Mount Everest, the world's highest mountains, with 8,848 metres (29,000ft).

The longest river in China is the Yangtze River with over 6,300km (3,914miles) in length. This is also Asia's longest river.

China has the world's longest sea-crossing bridge. The Hongkong to Zhuhai-Macao bridge was opened to traffic in October 2018.

The Gobi Desert which stretches over China and Mongolia is the largest desert in Asia.

China Facts
Attractions for Kids

Great Wall of China: Walk along parts of the over 8,850 km/ 5,500 miles long Great Wall which once was the border of the old Chinese empire. The wall stretches across China from the Korean border into the Gobi desert. This is the longest wall in the world and newer archeological findings report that the entire defence works including the Great Wall and all its branches stretches over 21,000 km/ 13,000 miles! Did you know, that the name in ancient Chinese actually meant 'The 10,000-Mile Long Wall' or 'Incredibly Long Wall'?

Terracotta Warriors: See the over 5000 sculptures of life-size soldiers, made from terracotta, in Xian. The sculptures which are on one of the world's most famous archeological sites, are older than 2,000 years.

Forbidden City in Beijing: The Forbidden City houses the Palace museum with the Chinese Imperial Palace and the Summer Palace, that were still used until 1911.

Potala Palace in Lhasa/Tibet: This is where every Dalai Lama has held his official residence until the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950

Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve near Chengdu: See the pandas in their natural habitat and visit the breeding and research centre to learn more about the endangered pandas.

Guilin: The rough limestone karst mountains along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo are very picturesque. People enjoy rafting on river.

'The Bund' in Shanghai: Shanghai is the largest and most populated Chinese city with the busiest port in the world. The Bund is the megacity's main shopping and business district.

Hong Kong: Visit Victoria Harbour. Enjoy the amazing views of the skyscrapers along the shoreline or get to the top of Victoria Peak and have a bird's eye view of the city and the harbour.

Read more about awesome China family attractions and Chinese landmarks here: Landmarks in China
China Facts | Chinese People

Almost one in five people on our earth live in China, while the country is smaller than the USA. The Chinese government lifted the one-child policy in 2016, now Chinese parents are allowed to have two children.

China surpassed India in population numbers in April 2023.

Many Chinese live in the 'megacities' of the country. Megacities are cities with more than 10 million inhabitants. Six of the 33 megacities in the world are located in China.

In rural areas the living standard is still very poor and many people live there live in huts or along the rivers in stilt houses.

The Chinese love music and opera plays, although the voices of the Chinese opera singers may sound strange to our ears.

Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year, is the biggest celebration on the Chinese calendar. The Chinese calendar start at the end of January/early February each year and every year another animal sign symbolises the strength and the weaknesses. There are 12 zodiac/animal signs and thus every 12 years the animals signs start over again. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. Read more here. 2024 will be the Year of the Dragon.

Children look very much forward to the Chinese New Year celebrations which are two weeks long celebrations over the new year when they get gifts, often money wrapped in red envelopes or red packets, from family and friends. Popular 'Lion Dances' also take place during this time. The dragon is the most celebrated symbol of prosperity and strength.
Which zodiac sign are you? Read more about the Chinese New Year celebrations here.

China Facts | Chinese Language

Although Mandarin Chinese is the official language, in many regions other languages are spoken such as Cantonese, Shanghainese, Hainanese or Mongolian.

The Chinese writing is done from top to bottom in little symbols or signs, called 'characters' of which an adult usually knows about 8,000 different characters. With 13 years most Chinese children can read and write 3,000 characters.

Some Chinese words good to know:

Ni hao! means Hello!

Xie Xie means Thank You

Gong Xi Fa Cai means Happy Chinese New Year

China Facts | Chinese Food

The traditional diet in China contains low amounts of protein such as meats or dairy products. Many Chinese dishes are vegetable and soya based. Chinese often eat/drink soup for breakfast and rice based dishes are eaten throughout the day.

Soy, vegetable and rice products are the most common ingrediences in Chinese dishes. Chinese mainly eat with chopsticks and drink their soups instead of eating them with a spoon as we do. Here is some typical Chinese food:

Springrolls: The fried rice paper rolls are surely the most famous food export

Chow Mein: stir-fried egg noodles with chicken strips

Tofu: soy bean curd used in many dishes

Sweet and sour pork: fried cubed pork and fried vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce often made with capsicum peppers and pineapple

Peking Duck: duck roast with crispy thin skin, often served with plum sauce

Dim Sum: Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat or vegetables
Read more about Chinese Food on our new special page here: Food in China
China Facts | China Animals
Read more about endangered animals in China on our special page here: Animals in China
There are many endangered animal species living in China. Among them are the Giant Panda, the South Chinese Tiger and the Chinese Alligator.

China economy

China is part of the BRICS countries - together with Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. China is already considered a world superpower by many. China's economic strength rivals that of the USA and the USA.

The country is rich in natural resources and the top producer of aluminium and iron ore, cobalt, graphite and processed copper among other minerals.

The huge Asian country is also the world's top producer of rice and beer!

The main trading partners are the USA, Japan, Australia and Germany.

Popular Pages

China Facts | Resources

Central Intelligence Agency. "China" CIAWorldFactBook. Last updated 15 August 2023. Last accessed 23 August 2023

BBC News. "World's longest sea crossing". BBC. 23 October 2018. Last accessed 23 August 2023

Maggie Hiufu Wong. "China's Top Megacities". CNN World. Updated 6 March 2019. Accessed 23 August 2023

Miriam Hoffmann. "China Family Adventure". Last accessed 2 February 2022. Great resources to learn more about China can be found on this site. The informative and well laid out website is written and maintained by a Chinese expat and her children and gives comprehensive information and important China facts.

China Highlights. Another good site for China facts and information the main attractions of China is this one. Click here. Last accessed 23 August 2023

View some great images of the Great Wall on the page of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre here. Last accessed 23 August 2023

Also find good info on TravelChinaGuide on the Great Wall here. Last accessed 23 August 2023

Return from China Facts to Kids-World-Travel-Guide Homepage
Feel free to contact us if you or your school would like to join in our schools project. Looking forward to hearing from u! And enjoy learning more great China Facts soon:-)

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China Facts for Kids | China for Kids | Geography | Attractions

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Our China Facts for Kids will provide you with country facts, information on people and culture about China for kids

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Dragon dances have been performed in China for over 2,000 years and are believed to bring about good fortune.

OFFICIAL NAME: People's Republic of China

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Communist state

CAPITAL: Beijing (Peking)

POPULATION: 1,397,897,720

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: Standard Chinese, Mandarin

MONEY: Yuan (or renminbi)

AREA: 3,705,405 square miles (9,596,960 square kilometers)

MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Himalaya

MAJOR RIVERS: Yangtze, Yellow

Stretching 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers) from east to west and 3,400 miles (5,500 kilometers) from north to south, China is a large country with widely varying landscapes. Its territory includes mountains, high plateaus, sandy deserts, and dense forests.

One-third of China's land area is made up of mountains. The tallest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest, sits on the border between China and Nepal.

China has thousands of rivers. The Yangtze and the Yellow Rivers are the most important. At 3,915 miles (6,300 kilometers) long, the Yangtze is the world's third largest river.
Map created by National Geographic Maps

PEOPLE & CULTURE

With a population of 1.4 billion, China has more people than any other country on Earth. About a third of the population lives in cities. The rest of the people live in the country.

Arts and crafts have a long history in China. Thousands of years ago the Chinese were some of the first people to use silk, jade, bronze, wood, and paper to make art. The artistic writing called calligraphy was invented in China.

Much of China's modern beliefs and philosophies are based on the teachings of a government official who lived nearly 3,000 years ago. Kongfuzi, also known as Confucius, taught people the value of such things as morality, kindness, and education.

China's diverse habitats are home to hundreds of species of animals and plants. More than 3,800 species of fish and hundreds of amphibians and reptile species live in the rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

China's forest wildlife is threatened by logging and clear-cutting (clearing the land of all trees) for farmland. Expanding deserts in the north also shrink animal habitats. The Chinese government has created more than 1,200 reserves to protect plant and animal species.

The giant panda lives in the misty mountains of southwest China and nowhere else on Earth. They eat bamboo and usually live near stands of the woody evergreen plant. Pandas have been hunted and only about 1,600 remain in the wild.

GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY

China is an authoritarian state ruled by a very powerful central government. A huge workforce and lots of natural resources have driven economic change. This has forced the communist government to permit more economic and personal freedoms, but it has come at a huge cost to the environment.

Many experts predict that the 21st century will be the "Chinese century." Whether or not that proves to be true, there is no doubt that what happens in China will affect many other nations.

China is the home of one of the world's oldest civilizations, but it has only recently become a "modern" nation. In the last 20 years, China has changed faster than any other country in the world.

Chinese history is divided into dynasties, each of which marks the period when a line of emperors ruled. The first empire was the Qin dynasty and began in 221 B.C. The last emperor was overthrown in 1912, and China became a republic. The communist government began its rule in 1949 following a civil war with the Chinese Nationalists.

Ancient China was a land of invention. For centuries, China was way ahead of most other countries in science and technology, astronomy, and math. The Chinese invented paper, the magnetic compass, printing, porcelain, silk, and gunpowder, among other things.

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China Country Profile - National Geographic Kids

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Stretching 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers) from east to west and 3,400 miles (5,500 kilometers) from north to south, China is a large country with widely varying landscapes.

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More people live in Nigeria than in any other country in Africa. It is a country of great diversity, with many ethnic groups and languages. Nigeria's land is rich in oil and...

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Nigeria is often called the "Giant of Africa." This name comes from the vastness of its land, the diversity of its peoples and languages, its huge population (the largest in Africa), and its oil and other natural resources.

Nigeria is a patchwork of distinctive regions, including deserts, plains, swamps, mountains, and steamy jungles. It has one of the largest river systems in the world, including the Niger Delta, the third largest delta on Earth.

Much of Nigeria is covered with plains and savannas. These tropical grasslands spread out as far as the eye can see and are interrupted here and there by trees and shrubs. The southwestern plains are home to the Yoruba people, who have lived there for thousands of years.
Map created by National Geographic Maps

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Nigeria is often called the "Giant of Africa." This name comes from the vastness of its land, the diversity of its peoples and languages, its huge population (the largest in Africa), and its oil and other natural resources.

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The first people to live on the banks of the Nile were hunters and fishermen, who settled there over 8,000 years ago. They learned to grow crops and raise animals, and they began to build villages and towns. They traded with their neighbors and learned to sail boats. By 3000 B.C., a civilization was established.

Around 3100 B.C., the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt were unified under a powerful king, later called a pharaoh. These kings built huge pyramids, temples, and other monuments. They also conquered other lands.

By 1000 B.C., Egypt had split into smaller parts and the kingdom was in decline. Strong neighbors attacked and took over Egyptian territory. In 31 B.C., Egypt fell under Roman control. In A.D. 640, Muslim warriors took over Egypt and founded the modern capital, Cairo. They ruled for several centuries. In the 16th century, Egypt became part of the Ottoman Turkish Empire.

European powers played an increasing role in Egypt starting in the late 18th century. In 1882, the British invaded and occupied Egypt. The British wanted control of the Suez Canal, which linked the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and greatly shortened the sailing trip from Asia to Europe. Egypt gained full independence from Great Britain in 1952 and took control of the Suez Canal in 1956.

Egypt and other neighboring Arab countries fought a series of wars with the Jewish state of Israel into the 1970s. In 1979 Egypt and Israel signed a peace agreement.

In 2011, a popular uprising toppled Egypt's long-time president, Hosni Mubarek. The country has held several democratic elections since 2011, but the role of the military in government remains strong.

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Egypt Country Profile - National Geographic Kids

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Without the Nile River, all of Egypt would be desert.

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The Nile River that runs through Egypt has allowed this desert land to flourish and bloom for thousands of years. Because of the water provided by the Nile, Egypt was one of the first places in the world to be farmed and settled. Ancient Egyptians had a complex society. Their beliefs in the afterlife still fascinate people who visit the country to see the ancient tombs and pyramids.

Today, most people in Egypt still live along the Nile River. The Suez Canal, which runs from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea provides a passageway for ships traveling from Europe to Asia and India. This canal, which was completed in 1869 with French and British aid, is an important source of income for the Egyptian government.

Many people in Egypt are farmers. Egypt is one of the world's leading producers of cotton, used for making clothing and home textiles. Egyptian farmers also grow sugar, rice, wheat, fruit and vegetables.

Most people in Egypt are Arab Muslims. Egypt has been one of the most tolerant Arab countries of women's rights. Fundamentalism is taking root in the country, though, and women are worried that they will lose some of their rights.

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a very old and very crowded city. Its population could reach 100 million by 2025. Housing is in short supply here. Many people live in tiny houses on the edge of the city. Others live among the graves in the ancient cemeteries or even on the roofs of high-rise buildings.

Fun Facts about Egypt for Kids

99 million people live in Egypt (2018)

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is the president of Egypt (2018).

The country has 386,662 square miles of land and is the 30th largest country in the world by land mass.

Oil, Cotton and food products are the Egyptians largest exports.

Over 12% of the workforce are employed within the tourist industry.

At 2,629 m Mount Catherine is the tallest mountain in Egypt.

The river Nile is the longest river.

The largest pyramid in Egypt is the Pyramid of Khufu at Giza.

Very little rain falls in Egypt, on average as little as one inch falls annually.

The official language is Arabic.

Most people are Muslim.

The life expectancy in Egypt is 72 years.

Over 75 percent of adults can read.

Our 365 day calendar was invented in Egypt.

Ancient Egyptians considered cats as sacred.

Ancient Egyptians worshiped over 1400 different Gods.

Egypt Vocabulary

Learn More All About Egypt

This is the best video we found for kids to learn about Egypt:

This is a video presentation about the geography of Egypt, the importance of the Nile river, and how the Egyptians identify their location.

Egypt Q&A

Question: What kinds of animals live in Egypt?

Answer: Egypt is home to many animals, including crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas, cobras and many birds. The Nile River floods each year, leaving behind sediment that leaves the soil rich and fertile.

Map of Egypt

Here's a map of the country of Egypt and all its cities and villages. Zoom in to get into street level or zoom out to see other countries around Egypt! You can see the terrain, but also see the roads, images of the buildings and even take a 3D tour through the streets of the cities of Egypt, as though you are actually there!

Enjoyed the Easy Geography for Kids all about Egypt info? Take the FREE & fun all about Egypt quiz and download FREE Egypt worksheet for kids. For lengthy info click here.

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Egypt Facts for Kids (All You Need to Know!)

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The Nile River that runs through Egypt has allowed this desert land to flourish and bloom for thousands of years. Because of the water provided by the Nile, Egypt was one of the first places in the world to be farmed and settled. Ancient Egyptians had a complex society.

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Last Updated on December 1, 2021 by worldoftravelswithkids

Here is our collection of interesting facts about Peru for kids! Before I had children of my own, I lived in Peru for many years and traveled far and wide in this fascinating country.

I've included here Peru facts for kids that my own children find interesting, and I am sure you will too! In short, from Inca facts to Machu Picchu, from the Coast to the cities like Cusco, there is so much to discover about Peru with these interesting facts about Peru. Enjoy these Fun Facts about Peru!

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we would earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More info in my disclaimer.

Located in Western South America. Puer is famous for its rich history and as the home to the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu.

Peru is the third-largest country in South America. It has a population of 32 million (2020) divided into three geographical regions, the coast, the Andes mountains, and the jungle. Over a third of Peru's population live in the capital, Lima.

Official Name: Republica del Peru ( Republic of Peru)

Government: Presidential Republic

Interesting Facts About Peru: Geographical Peru Facts

Peru has a Whopping 90 Different Microclimates in the One Country!

As Peru is a long thin country down the coast it has an amazing range of scenery from the lush jungles of the Amazon, to the striking altiplano, to the dry and arid coastal deserts. As such Peru has about 90 different micro-climates and one of the widest ranges of biodiversity in the world. Statistics vary but Peru is home to 500 kinds of mammals, 300 reptiles, and over 1,800 species of bird.

Half of Peru is Covered by the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon jungle is the world's largest rainforest. It is sometimes known as the " Lungs of Earth" producing 20% of earth's oxygen. Known as the 'selva' in Spanish, this huge jungle covers nearly half of Peru and also half of Brazil. It is home to a massive variety of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. It is believed that nomadic tribes, uncontacted from the outside world, still live deep in the Amazon. It's estimated that 15 of these tribes live in Peru.

The Andes Mountains are the Second-Highest and Longest in the World!

The Andes Mountains Are The Second-Highest Mountain Range In The World, After The Himalayas! The highest point in Peru is Mt. Huarascán, which is part of the Andes Mountain chain. Mt. Huarascán is also the fourth-highest mountain peak in all of South America!

Another Interesting Fact In Peru is that the Andes are the longest above-water mountain range in The Andes Mountain Range goes through seven South American countries, including Peru. Starting north in Venezuela and going all the way south through Argentina, it is about 7,000 km (or 4,300 miles) long!

The World's Largest River, the Amazon, Starts In Peru

The Amazon River is considered the world's longest river. However, there have been arguments that the Nile River is actually longer. Either way, the Amazon River is definitely the world's largest river by volume.

Starting in the Peruvian Andes and running through Peru and the entire length of Brazil the Amazon finally empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Lots of amazing creatures call the Amazon home like the piranha, the anaconda, the Amazonian manatee, and the Amazon River Dolphin!

Other major rivers in Peru are the Marañón, Ucalayli and Madre, and Dios, all of which are tributaries of the Amazon.

The Source of the Amazon River is in Peru

In 1996 a glacial stream on the Mismi mountain peak was identified as the source of the Amazon River. Mount Mismi is 5,597-metre (18,363 ft) in the Chila mountain range not far from Arequipa. It must have been a contentious announcement as future studies, in .2001 and again in 2007 once again found that the source of the Amazon was definitely on Mismi Mountain.

Peru Is Also Home To The Deepest Canyon In The World

Cotahuasi Canyon (from Quechua Kutawasi), near the city of Arequipa in Peru, is one of the deepest canyons in the world. With a depth of approximately 3,354 meters (11,004 ft), it is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

More Peru Facts: Peru has the Highest Sand Dune In The World

The highest sand dune in the world is located is in Peru. It is 1,176 meters (3,860 feet) tall!

Located near the Nazca Province of Peru, near the town of Nazca. It is about 455 kilometers (283 miles) south of the capital of Peru, Lima. Getting across the dunes is easier said than done. You can go by 4×4, and sandboarding is commonly practiced in the area too - some of the dunes flow down for a full 1km.

For many, this makes Lake Titicaca the highest lake in the world, though technically there are many, many other bodies of water (that is, Lakes) at much higher altitudes. So you see, there are many interesting facts about Peru!

That is why, technically, when referring to Lake Titicaca being the highest lake in the world, you need to say the highest commercially navigable lake in the world is Lake Titicaca. It lies in the Altiplano at a height of 3,810 m (12,500 ft) above sea level and is half in Peru, and half in Bolivia.

Lake Titicaca is Home to a Tribe that lives on Man-Made Floating Islands

The traditional residents of Lake Titicaca are the Uros people who migrated to Lake Titicaca about 3,700 years ago. After the arrival of the Incas who were an aggressive tribe that took over local tribes, the Uros built mobile floating villages in order to evade their enemies. Eventually, they were taken over by the Inca.

These floating platforms were made by weaving the thick roots of the Totora Reed (which grows on Lake Titicaca) into a sturdy layer. This is a significant task as the base of each island is up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) thick. This takes considerable time and effort! To hold them in place, the islands are moored to the lake bed using long sharp sticks and plenty of rope. The islands also require a lot of maintenance, especially as today they are a popular tourist attraction.

You can Climb a Fascinating Rainbow Mountain in Peru!

That's right, high in the Andes, near Cusco, Peru there is an amazing rainbow mountain! It is also known locally as the mountain of seven colors or Vinicunca

When climbing up to the Rainbow Mountain area, people particularly notice the cochineal red, terracotta yellow, pink, white, turquoise, brown, and pink earthy tones. Each of these colors is caused by a specific combination of mineral deposits and creates the 'rainbow' effect.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is also Peru's newest tourist attraction, only becoming wildly popular since becoming a social media phenomenon in 2013. If you are thinking of traveling to Peru and are young, check out our full post The Rainbow Mountain Peru with Kids.

There is so much exciting stuff to share about Rainbow Mountain; we put together a full Rainbow Mountain Peru Facts Post.

Peru Is Home To The Puya Raimondii - The World's Tallest Flowering Plant

Puya Raimondi is the world's tallest bromeliad species of plant. A bromeliad is a relative of the pineapple and can take up to 10 years or more to even bloom. When it blooms, it can contain up to 8,000 white color flowers that look like lilies. After it blooms, it does.

The Puya Raimondi is only found in the Peruvian or Bolivian Andes. Sadly, this plant is an endangered species. It is estimated that there are only about 100,000 Puya Raimondi plants in the wild.

Peru Fun Facts -Animals of Peru

You Want To See A Llama, Go To Peru

¾ of the world's population of llamas live in Peru but don't get close to them - they spit! Like really far, about 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters).

Did you know that llamas are cousins of the camel and highly intelligent animals? Llamas can learn simple tasks after only a few repetitions. Take a look at more Fun Llama and Alpaca Facts, including some llama jokes!

Don't Confuse a Llama with an Alpaca

Another fun Peru fact for kids is that many people confuse llamas with their cute cousins, the Alpaca. So how can you know the difference? Look at their ears! Alpacas have short little ears with smooshed faces while Llama's have longer ears and longer faces. Actually, the differences between llamas and alpacas are so fascinating we have written a whole post!

The llama's and alpacas cousin is the national animal of Peru. There are so many llamas and alpacas in Peru it would have been a fair bet to think that they would be Peru's national animal. You are not far wrong; their cousin the Vicuna is the national animal of Peru.

The Llama is the Longest Animal Resident in the Americas!

The llama family (camelids) originated a whopping 40 million years ago on the central plains of North America, where they became extinct in the last ice age. However, before the Ice Age, they had migrated southwards making a home for themselves in the Andes where they continue to thrive long after their northern relatives have disappeared.

The Guanaco is a camelid native to South America and is closely related to the llama. Its name comes from the Quechua word Huánuco. Guanacos are one of two wild South American camelids. The other being the Vicuña, which lives at higher elevations and can be seen on a trek or remote adventure in the Andes.

Guinea Pigs Are a Special Meal

In North America, Europe, and places like Australia you can find guinea pigs in the pet store alongside rabbits and other domesticated animals. However, in Peru, the guinea pig is also a very special meal!

Known as 'cuy' the guinea pig is an important part of the Andean culture as well as a source of protein. The cuy, or guinea pig, plays such an important role in the local culture that the painting of the Last Supper in the cathedral of Cusco depicts Jesus and his disciples dining on guinea pigs!

Eaten on special occasions if you visit typical Peruvian homes you will hear the peeps and squeaks of guinea pigs running underfoot. They are natural garbage disposal; the local people just peel their potatoes, carrots, etc. straight onto the floor where they are hovered up by the guinea pigs. But what are you going to do if someone grabs a guinea pig and roasts it in your honor?

The Largest Flying Bird on Earth - The Andean Condor - Lives in Peru

You can see the largest bird on earth, in the Colca Canyon. The Giant Andean Condor can grow up to 4 feet high and it has a wingspan of up to 14 feet, which is huge for a bird! Its wingspan is so huge that the Giant Andean Condor can fly for hours.

The Giant Andean Condor is considered a bird sacred by the Incas. Unfortunately, it is now considered somewhat endangered by the World Conservation Union.

What is the Connection between Paddington Bear and Peru?

The Andean Bear (Tremarctos Ornatus) is the only surviving bear species in South America It is also known as the spectacled bear for the rings of white or light fur around its eyes, which can look like eyeglasses (or spectacles) against the rest of the bear's black or dark brown fur. It is highly endangered, due to its habitat being divided up by farmers and other types of interruption.

Spectacled bears are generally shy, peaceful and elusive, and tend to avoid contact with humans. Which makes it a little strange that they were the inspiration for the children's book series (and subsequent movie) Paddington Bear. To this day Paddington Bear is a symbol of kindness to refugees that we should all remember.

Interesting Peru Facts - People and Places

With rich biodiversity in the jungle, Peru is also very rich in natural resources. Gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, and iron are found across the country, and there are reserves of oil and natural gas. Often mined by large multi-national companies, the wealth of Peru doesn't reach the majority of the population, particularly the indigenous folk in the Andes.

The Capital of Peru, Lima is very BIG

Peru's capital is Lima, but it was once referred to as La Ciudad de los Reyes, which means 'City of the Kings'. Lima was never more than an outpost of the Inca Empire but became the capital of the Spanish viceroyalty as the Spanish conquerors preferred to be near the coast.

Approaching a population of 10 million, Lima has almost a third of Peru's 32 million population.

Out of interest, in 2015 the biggest city in the Americas was Sao Paulo in Brazil, followed by Mexico City, then Lima at third. New York was the fourth largest city in the Americas, and Bogota the fifth largest!

There are Lost Cities in Peru

Andean explorers believe that there are most definitely lost cities in Peru. The legends of lost cities of vast riches keep people interested in the stories and also attract a lot of explorers searching for these mystical cities. The most famous of all is Paititi, which is being searched for up until today. Explorers want to reach the lost city before the huaqueros or treasure hunters do, and preserve its riches and stories for science and history.

While El Dorado may have been a golden myth, it is certain that in Paititi, northeast of Cuzco, there was a gold-laden city. Even today Paititi is thought to be the great archaeological enigma of South America as its location has evaded even the most complicated satellite imaging equipment and modern techniques.

Hollywood certainly has taken on some aspects of this with Dora the Explorer's live-action movie featuring the search for Parapata, an Incan city deep in the Peruvian jungle, protected by Quechua-speaking guardians.

Quechua is the Language of the Inca Empire

By imposing one language on all the people, they unified what was previously a lot of warring tribes. It is a beautiful language for storytelling,

It is an onomatopoeic language. What is onomatopoeia? See the definition of onomatopoeia here.

Many people in Peru only speak Quechua, especially the women in the high mountain areas. Only recently has Peru decided to teach Quechua as a part of the Peruvian curriculum. However, the Incas didn't have a written language. They recorded crops and numbers using Qhipus, a series of knots, and they told stories via textiles. Along with Spanish, Quechua and Aymara are the three official languages of Peru.

While We Are On Lost Cities And Unsolved Mysteries

Discovered in 1927, The Nazca Lines, is a group of more than 70 huge human and animal geoglyphs. Geoglyphs are large designs made on the ground by stones, gravel, or carving out the earth. These particular geoglyphs are carved into the desert sand.

Located in a plateau between the towns of Nazca and Palpa, The Nazca Lines are considered one of the world's greatest mysteries because no one knows who made them or why they are there. Some people believe they are an alien landing strip, some an astronomical calendar but no one really knows for certain.

From the fact that the Incas had no written language to the belief that the Inca civilization didn't have any wheels and their cities were built by other methods, the Incas were a fascinating group of people. Take a look at more Fun Inca Facts for kids.

Peru Food Facts

There is National Roasted Chicken Day In Peru
More Inca Facts
Peru loves its roasted Chicken so much it has a National Day to celebrate it. Each year, the 21st of July is the official Day of Pollo a la Brasa.

Polla a la Brasa is an authentic Peruvian chicken dish. The chicken is roasted with Peruvian herbs and spices and served with different hot pepper sauces.

Peruvians Love their Potatoes

There are over 4000 species of potato and if you venture out to the communities you are sure to get served up a plate of boiled potatoes.

The Superfood Quinoa is from Peru

Here is my fave Peru food fact - the superfood Quinoa has been cultivated and eaten in the Andes for over 4000 years. But ... what is so special about this superfood? Quinoa (pronounced KIN-oh-wa) is extremely nutrient-dense. For example, it is high in protein and is one of the few plant-based sources of protein that includes all 9 amino acids. It is also a great source of iron and magnesium.

Peru has more than 55 Varieties of Corn

Yes, that is right, there are more than 55 varieties of corn. There is so much different corn, in fact, that at the Peruvian markets you can practically find corn of every color of the rainbow and even black corn. In fact, corn is a super popular snack in Peru and is served at many restaurants as roasted corn kernels. A large kernelled light yellow corn is boiled in large pots by the road and sold as a popular snack, "Choclo". We are so into Peru's corn we even wrote a full post about the different types of Peruvian corn.

Ceviche is Peru's National Dish

The word "ceviche" is Quecha for "fresh fish". Ceviche is raw fish that has been marinated in lime juice or bitter orange juice, which preserves the fish, along with onions, chili peppers, and salt. Sometimes it also includes vegetables such as potatoes or corn.

Ceviche is so popular in Peru that actually has a holiday in its honor.

What do Peruvians eat for Breakfast?

In the households where I've lived a Peruvian breakfast is very simple - black coffee and pan (plain bread) without butter or jam. If you are out and about on the streets there are some other good options including heading to the market and asking for "Jugo de Papaya" which is papaya blended up on the spot. You can ask the vendor to throw other juices as you see fit! Super delish and super healthy!

If you are game, try emoliente which is a drink made from toasted barley and a variety of herbs. The emoliente drink is a popular breakfast drink and in addition to the health benefits of barley, the emoliente seller will add other herbs, just tell them your ailment. To buy emoliente just look for a cart with a group of people gathered around the hot drinks, steaming in the morning air. We can personally recommend emoliente as a great way to start the day for its calming taste and health benefits.

Finally, if you are looking for something super greasy for breakfast, then you should totally try Chicharron de Chancho. This is pork fried with its own fat, and served up with chopped onion, and sweet potato. Make sure you eat the mint, as it aids with digestion and you are going to need some help as this is a seriously rich Peruvian breakfast dish! (It has always given me some indigestion!)

More Fun Peru Facts - Weird Traditions In Peru

Peruvians Have A Unique New Year's Tradition

The Peruvians believe that if you wear new, colored underwear on New Year's Eve it will indicate what the future year will hold for you. Yellow, for good luck, is the most popular color! Red is for love, and green is for money!

All Around Peru, You See Little Bull Statues on Rooves

Why are they on the rooves? Well, the Torito de Pucara as they are called, are placed on the roof for good luck, an abundance of crops and livestock, and also for general prosperity. Almost every building in Southern Peru has the Torito de Pucara on its roof.

Often times the ceramic bulls are accompanied by Christian religious symbols and symbols that honor Peru's ancient deities.

I first arrived in Peru nearly 20 years ago and quickly fell in love with beautiful Peru. It quite literally has it all - stunning landscapes from snow-capped mountains, to arid deserts on the coast. Its history is truly fascinating, not only the Pre Incan cultures like the Chavin and the Chimu, but the mysteries which remain to this day. The enigmatic Nazca lines are incredible and one of Peru's great secrets. The Conquest of the Incas is a dramatic and captivating story, while facts about Peru's history after the arrival of the Spanish are also very interesting.

However, it's the people that really capture your heart. High in the Andes mountains Quechua speaking people carry on their daily life much as in the time of the Incas, or their ancestors before them. Agricultural research stations such as Moray, in the Cusco region.

In my travels, I stayed in earth floor huts, ate guinea pig or fresh-caught fish from high alpine lakes; and participated in local ceremonies that paid respect to Mother Earth, Pachamama. I worked alongside Quechua women wearing traditional dresses as they explained to me the meaning of their weavings.

From the most humbling experiences in the high mountains to the most elegant experiences in Peruvian cities like Cusco and Lima. In Lima we've dined in aristocratic mansions once only patronized by the Spanish descended elite, or tasted exquisite Novo- Andino cuisine created by Peruvian genius chefs like Gaston Acurio or Rafael Osterling.

It goes without saying that I have a lot of interesting facts about Peru in my head, and I am delighted to share them with you. Enjoy this charming and special country as we journey to Peru with these Peru fun facts for you.

The Verdict - Peru Facts for Kids

Well, there you have it - some cool Peru facts, some interesting facts about Peru, and some weird traditions in Peru. We recently added some more Peru food facts, and facts about Rainbow mountain Peru; we hope you enjoyed the recent additions! Without a doubt this amazing country is breathtaking in its scope, steeped in tradition, and also full of mystery. We hope you have enjoyed this journey in Peru with us and learned some interesting Peru facts along the way!

We always travel with insurance, it has saved us numerous times. World Nomads have specially designed travel insurance for families! Take a look at their Family Travel Insurance here.
Interested in learning more about Peru? Here are some of our favorite Peru books for children. Like It> Pin It> Peru Facts For Kids

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Interesting and FUN Peru facts for Kids - learn about fascinating Peru

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Last Updated on December 1, 2021 by worldoftravelswithkids Here is our collection of interesting facts about Peru for kids! Before I had children of my own, I lived in Peru for many years and traveled far and wide in this fascinating country.

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Remember the selfish ruler, Kuzco, who was turned into a llama in the movie, The Emperor's New Groove? His character is based on an ancient Incan ruler and the kingdom that he rules is based on the ancient Incan city of Cusco in Peru.

The Incan people built an elaborate civilization in Peru that was mostly wiped out when the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century. You can still visit the ruins of this civilization at Macchu Picchu and other sites. The Koricancha, or Sun Temple, still stands, although the sheets of gold that covered it are gone. The city of Cusco is still thriving.

The country of Peru sits in South America between the Pacific Ocean and Columbia, Brazil and Bolivia. Peru is a beautiful country - with rainforests, mountains and dry coastal plains. The rainforests are home to animal species found nowhere on Earth and there are Indian tribes living in the rainforest that have probably never seen other people.

Snakes, reptiles, huge cats and colorful birds live in the rainforests. Fish, penguins and other birds live in and near the ocean. Llamas and Alpacas live in the mountains. The puya Raimondi plant grows for 100 years before blooming. That's a long time to wait for a flower!

Peru is one of the richest sources of silver, copper and lead in the world, but many people are very poor. People live in tiny houses without electricity or running water. They may not have enough food to eat and they work very hard.

Fun Facts About Peru for Kids

32.5 million people live in Peru.

Lima is the capital of Peru.

Martin Vizcarra is the President (data 2018).

Peru has 496,224 square miles of land.

Most people speak Spanish or Quechua or Aymara, which are native languages in Peru.

Native Indian tribes have kept their traditional language, culture and religion.

People in Peru can expect to live 74 years.

Most people are Roman Catholic.

94.17% percent of adults can read.

Peru houses the Andes mountain range. The highest mountain in the Andes and the highest point in Peru is the Huascaran mountain measuring 6768 m.

Ubinas is an active volcano in Peru at a height of 5,672 m. Located in the volcanic central zone of the Andes. It last erupted in 2006 / 2007.

The longest river in Peru is the Ucayali river stretching for 1,100 miles.

In 1551 San Marcos University was founded and is believed to be the oldest university in the Americas.

Peru mines a lot of gold and is Latin America's largest producer. Peru is ranked number 6 in the world for gold production.

Machu Picchu in the Amazon jungle is one of the sever wonders of the world.

Guinea Pig is a delicacy in Peru.

Peru Vocabulary

Peru Video for Kids

Peru Q&A

Question: Do many people live in the jungle?

Answer: Few people live in the jungles, but Iquitos is a city in the jungle. The best way to reach this city is by taking a boat up the Amazon River.

Map of Peru

Here's a map of the country of Peru and all its cities and villages. Zoom in to get into street level or zoom out to see other countries around Peru! You can see the terrain, but also see the roads, images of the buildings and even take a 3D tour through the streets of the cities of Peru, as though you are actually there!

Enjoyed the Geography for Kids all about Peru info? Take the FREE & fun all about Peru quiz and download FREE all about Peru worksheet for kids. For lengthy info click here.

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All About Peru - Geography Fun Facts for Kids. Learn science fun facts about the country of Peru with our FREE Easy Science and Geography for Kids Website

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The ancient city of Machu Picchu was built by the Inca.

OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Peru

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Constitutional republic

CAPITAL: Lima

POPULATION: 31,331,228

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: Spanish, Quechua

MONEY: Nuevo Sol

AREA: 496,224 square miles (1,285,216 sqare kilometers)

MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Andes

MAJOR RIVERS: Amazon, Ucayali, Madre de Dios

Peru is the third largest country in South America, after Brazil and Argentina. It is made up of a variety of landscapes, from mountains and beaches to deserts and rain forests. Most people live along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, where the capital, Lima, is located.

Along Peru's west coast is a narrow strip of desert 1,555 miles (2,500 kilometers) long. Ancient people, called the Chimú and the Nasca, first inhabited this region thousands of years ago. The coastal desert makes up only about 10 percent of Peru, but it is home to more than half of all Peruvians.

The world's largest rain forest, the Amazon, covers nearly half of Peru. Called the selva in Spanish, this huge jungle, which also covers half of Brazil, is home to plants and animals that do not live anywhere else on Earth. Some scientists think there may even be Indian tribes there that have never seen the outside world.

The second highest mountain range in the world runs through Peru. These peaks, called the Andes, are so tall and forbidding that the ancient Inca people thought they were gods. They run from north to south and can be seen from Peru's beaches 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the west. The highest peak, Mount Huascarán, is 22,205 feet (6,768 meters) high.
Map created by National Geographic Maps

PEOPLE & CULTURE

The people of Peru are a mix of many different cultures, including Indians, Spaniards and other Europeans, descendants of African slaves, and Asians. Until recently, most people lived in the countryside. But now, more than 70 percent live in cities. Most Peruvians follow the Catholic religion introduced by the Spanish.

Because it has so many different ecosystems, Peru is home to a wider variety of plants and animals than most other countries on Earth. For many reasons, Peruvians have not had as much of an impact on their natural world as many other countries, and much of these ecosystems have been undisturbed.

A 250-acre (100-hectare) plot of Peruvian rain forest is home to more than 6,000 kinds of plants! There are hundreds of species that are only found in the Amazon. To protect these plants and animals, Peru has created special forest areas called reserves.

On the Pacific Coast, many interesting plant and animal species have adapted to the dry desert climate. And off the coast, the Peru Current nourishes huge numbers of small fish, which in turn support large populations of bigger fish and seabirds, including Humboldt penguins.

Peru's mountains support special types of grasses and plants, which provide food for mammals like llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. One plant that grows in the Andes, the puya raimondi, grows for a hundred years before blooming.

GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY

Peru is a constitutional republic, with a president, a congress, and a supreme court. Peruvians are required to vote by law. Presidents serve five-year terms and can only be elected twice in a row.

Peru is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural resources. Gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, and iron are found across the country, and there are reserves of oil and natural gas. Even so, jobs there can be very hard to find, and Peru remains one of the world's poorest countries.

Peru is a very old country. The earliest inhabitants arrived there about 15,000 years ago. Societies emerged on the west coast more than 5,000 years ago and began to spread inland. These included the Chavín, the Moche, and the Nasca.

One of the most important Peruvian cultures was the Inca, who lived in Peru around 600 years ago. Their capital, Cusco, is still a major city today. The Inca also built Machu Picchu, a famous and mysterious ancient city in the Andes. They thrived for centuries before being conquered by the Spanish in 1532.

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Peru is the third largest country in South America, after Brazil and Argentina.

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Peru Facts for Kids | Peru for Kids | Geography | Travel | Geo Facts

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Our Peru Facts for Kids will inform about the country and people, geography superlatives, food, animals, economy and so much more. Enjoy!