The Republic of Peru, located on the Pacific coast of South America, has an area of 496,222 sq. mi. (1,285,216 sq. km.) and a population of 25.66 million. Capital: Lima. The diversified economy includes mining, fishing and agriculture. Fish meal, copper, sugar, zinc and iron ore are exported. ,Once part of a great Inca Empire that reached from northern Ecuador to central Chile, Peru was conquered in 1531-33 by Francisco Pizarro. Desirable as the richest of the Spanish viceroyalties, it was torn by warfare between avaricious Spaniards until the arrival in 1569 of Francisco de Toledo, who initiated 2 ½ centuries of efficient colonial rule which made Lima the most aristocratic colonial capital and the stronghold of Spain?s South American possessions. Jose de San Martin of Argentina proclaimed Peru?s independence on July 28, 1821; Simon Bolivar of Venezuela secured it in Dec. of 1824 when he defeated the last Spanish army in South America. After several futile attempts to reestablish its South American empire, Spain recognized Peru?s independence in 1879.,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Sol = 1 Sol de Oro = 100 Centavos, 1879-1985,, ,1 Libran = 10 Soles,,