Excerpted from the Peru Career Guide

Peru is the fifth-most populous country in Latin America. It is also a highly-urbanized country; 21 cities have a population of 100,000 or more. Major cities in Peru include Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Cuzco, Huancayo, Ica, Trujillo, Ayacucho, Piura, Iquitos and Chimbote.

The country’s economy has boomed over the past 20 years, and the poverty rate has fallen steadily. Peru not only survived the global recession, but actually thrived. While its economy is expected to continue growing this year by as much as 5.5 percent, such progress is sustainable only as long as Peru continues to attract investment. Peru is not immune to global financial trends and if the European debt crisis worsens, it could adversely affect Peru's economy. Overall, however, the future of Peru's economy continues to look bright, with the government predicting 50 billion USD in investment over the next three years.

Peru's unemployment rate has been falling over the past year. In Lima, Peru's capital, the unemployment rate fell to 7 percent at the end of last year.

Long-Term Outlook

Latin America in general is expected to enjoy rising growth rates. The Organization of American States predicts Latin America to have the highest growth economies in the world this year, and Bloomberg Markets ranks Peru's economy the third most-promising in the developing world.

Major Industries

Peru's major industries are mining, oil and gas energy, exports and tourism.

Spanish companies have a major presence in Peru, and help to generate jobs. Major Spanish companies in Peru include:

• Telefonica
• BBVA Continental
• Repsol
• Endesa
• Fierro Group

Areas of Promise

The general consensus is there is a gap between the educational system and the actual needs of the job market in Peru, which essentially requires technicians and skilled workers with good management skills.  Peru's growing economy is creating a demand for professionals and skilled workers of all stripes, but particularly for engineers, physicians, accountants, cooks and social sciences experts.

Jobs in Demand

• Accounting and finance workers
• Administrative support staff
• Drivers
• Engineers  ...more in the full guide.

This is just a short sample of what you’ll find in over 100 pages of information in the complete Peru Guide.