Learn Spanish in Lima and Cusco. Spanish language courses in Peru

A Different People: A Different World

The average Peruvian that you encounter during your Spanish program will be a "mestizo". What this means is that this persons ancestors are a mix of the local Peruvian indigenous groups and Peruvians who have European ancestors. Today a little less than 20% of the population of Peru is of direct European descent. A much smaller percentage of the population counts as their ancestors people from Japan, China and Africa. Interestingly Peruvians of Asian background have had some success in Peru. They have had a past president, some members of congress and some business leaders who had either Japanese or Chinese descent. The vast majority of the rest of Peru are "mestizo" or indigenous in nature.

Interestingly being "mestizo" in Peru can also refer to Amerindians who have adopted Hispanic culture. Today certain parts of Peru are beginning to become much more homogenized. Typically this is occurring along the more prosperous coastal areas of the country. Why is this happening? It is a result of more intermarriage, migration to coastal cities, economic development and better education.

Most think the Spanish is the official language of Peru. This is true...but the country actually has two official languages, and the other is Quechua. Spanish is used by business, government, the middle class and the more educated elements of society. The indigenous groups who live in the Andean Highlands will speak either Quechua and to a much lesser extent Aymara. While this is the first language of many, the vast majority will still speak Spanish.

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