Peru: Flag and Facts
Peru's flag has red, white, and red vertical bands, with a coat of arms in the center that holds a vicuna, a cinchona tree, plus a yellow horn of plenty pouring out coins.
- Official name
- Republic of Peru
- Capital
- Lima
- Region
- South America
- Population
- 33 million (2025)
- Languages
- Aymara, Quechua, Spanish
- Currency
- Peruvian sol
- Area
- 1,285,216 km² (496,224 sq mi)
- People
- Peruvian
- Calling code
- +51
- Highest point
- Nevado Huascaran 6,746 m
- Independence
- 28 July 1821 (from Spain)
- National symbols
- vicuna (a camelid related to the llama)
About Peru
The shield sums up the country's natural wealth. The vicuna stands for animal life, the cinchona tree is where quinine comes from, and the cornucopia points to minerals. The red honors those who bled for independence, and the white signals peace. The vicuna, a relative of the llama, is also the national symbol.
Several major Andean civilizations rose here, the Incas most famous among them, until Spanish conquistadors seized their empire in 1533. Peru declared independence on 28 July 1821, and the last Spanish troops were beaten in 1824. Democracy returned in 1980 after twelve years of military rule. The land splits into three zones: a dry coastal plain called the costa, the high Andes or sierra, and the Amazon jungle called the selva. Nevado Huascaran, the tallest summit, reaches 6,746 meters. Lima holds about 11.2 million people, far more than Arequipa or Trujillo.
Did you know?
- Aymara and Quechua are official languages of Peru, alongside Spanish.
- Peru is almost twice the size of Texas but a bit smaller than Alaska.
- Independence Day in Peru stretches over two days, 28 and 29 July.
Want to test yourself? The random flag generator has a quiz mode, and the full flags of the world page shows every flag at once.
Questions about Peru
What currency does Peru use?
The Peruvian sol, written S/.
Which countries border Peru?
Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador.
Sources
- CIA World Factbook, checked October 8, 2026
- REST Countries data (mledoze/countries), checked October 8, 2026
- Flag artwork: flag-icons (MIT), checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.