Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and other areas and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, visit http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
More information about Peru is available on the Peru Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-PERU RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Peru in 1827 following Peru’s independence from Spain. In the last decade, Peru has seen consistent economic growth, poverty reduction, and broad support for democracy. The country is a key U.S. partner in Latin America, and the two have strong, positive, and cooperative relations. The United States promotes the strengthening of democratic institutions and human rights safeguards in Peru as well as socially inclusive economic growth based on free trade and open markets. The U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) was signed in 2009.
The two countries cooperate on efforts to limit the production and exportation of narcotics, and to strengthen the rule of law in Peru. Bilateral programs include manual eradication of illicit coca cultivation, aviation support for eradication and interdiction operations, and technical assistance and equipment for the Peruvian National Police (PNP) and Customs agency (SUNAT). The United States also provides funding to build the capacity of judicial actors. These U.S. Government-supported law enforcement efforts complement an aggressive effort to establish an alternative development program for coca farmers in key coca-growing areas to voluntarily reduce and eliminate illicit coca cultivation.
Peru Today
President Ollanta Humala Tasso began a five-year term on July 28, 2011, pledging to extend the benefits of Peru's strong economic growth to all Peruvians, particularly those from traditionally disadvantaged indigenous and rural communities. Two decades of pro-growth macro-economic policy in Peru have yielded unprecedented economic expansion, low inflation, investment-grade status for the country’s debt, and a dramatic drop in poverty rates. Yet many challenges remain. More than a quarter of the population continues to live in poverty, illegal coca growth and cocaine production are on the rise, and social conflicts over natural resources and how to achieve socially inclusive and environmentally responsible growth pose serious challenges. Continued poverty reduction will remain critical to achieving socially inclusive and environmentally responsible growth.
U.S. Assistance to Peru
To further strengthen its democracy, reduce illegal coca cultivation, and promote socially inclusive market-based economic growth, Peru has committed to broaden economic opportunities and increase the state presence in areas susceptible to the influence and control of narco-traffickers, including the Valley of the Rivers Apurimac, Ene and Montaro (VRAEM). U.S. assistance promotes these objectives through bilateral programs that support Peru’s anti-narcotics and alternative development efforts, increased social and economic inclusion, improve governance, and sound environmental stewardship.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Economic and commercial ties have deepened with the 2009 implementation of the U.S.- Peru TPA. U.S. investment in Peru has grown substantially in recent years as has two-way trade. The United States is one of Peru's largest foreign investors and trade partners. About 330,000 U.S. citizens visit Peru annually for business, tourism, or study. Peru is a participant in efforts to negotiate a regional trade agreement under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which also includes the United States.
Peru's Membership in International Organizations
Peru and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization of American States, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Peru is Rose M. Likins; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Peru maintains an embassy in the United States at 1700 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036; tel. (202) 833-9860.
More information about Peru is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Peru Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Peru Page
U.S. Embassy: Peru
USAID Peru Page
History of U.S. Relations With Peru
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information
