Social and Cultural Environment

The culture of Peru is by far one of the most diverse in South America. Owing thanks to the natural isolation of the region (the Andes mountains to the West of Peru and the Amazon River Basin both discourage travel by foot into Peru), Peruvians have been successful at preserving the culture of Peru for thousands of years. Even after the invasion by the Spanish conquistadors, the ancient culture of Peru is still evident today.
Over half of Peru's population lives on the coastal areas of Peru, whereas the rest mainly live in the mountain areas. Less than 5% of the natives live in the jungle areas of Peru. Approximately 45% of the people of Peru are indigenous, and about 37% is mestizo (a combination of both indigenous and of Latin descent). The rest of the population of Peru is Indian, African, Chinese, or of some other descent.

LANGUAGE
The two official languages of Peru are Spanish and Quechua. Quechua is the language of the Incas. Still widely spoken throughout the Andes, it was made an official language by the military government that controlled the country from 1968 to 1975. The dominant language in urban areas, however, is Spanish. The primary difference between the Spanish spoken in Spain and in Peru is the accent.
RELIGION

Peruvians are fervent Catholics. Catholics comprise 90 percent of the population. No Peruvian town, no matter how small or remote, is without a church. Religious practices carefully intertwine modern and traditional beliefs. The Peruvian version of Catholicism, for example, has incorporated some of the traditional gods and spirits by referring to them as saints or lords. When the Spanish converted the Amerindians to Christianity, they moved many of the Christian holidays to coincide with existing traditional festivals. In so doing, many traditional festivals continue to be practiced, with minor modifications, within the Christian framework.
FAMILY LIFE
In countries without a welfare system or social security system, the family bonds together not only as a social unit, but as an economic one as well. The basic household unit includes parents, children, and, in many cases, grandparents or aunts and uncles. In middle-class households, it may also include a live-in servant or nanny to look after young children. Financial difficulties mean that children live at home until they get married as young adults. Compadrazgo (godparenthood) is an important tie between friends and forges bonds of obligation between two families. Godparents are expected not only to contribute a modest amount of financial support for the godchild, but to provide emotional support and guidance to the family. These interfamily social arrangements expand a family's support network. Machismo, an attitude of male superiority and sexism, is widespread ( marianismo , an attitude of female passivity and coyness, is the counterpart of machismo). However, Peruvian women participate actively in important family decisions. Women play an active role both in family and community life. They also make significant contributions to family income.
RELATIONSHIPS
It is poor manners to arrive on time if invited to a dinner or a party. Tardiness of an hour or more is expected. If hosts expect the guests to arrive more promptly, they will ask them to observe hora inglesa (English time). When being introduced to a woman at a social occasion, the proper greeting is a kiss on the cheek. Men, when introduced to each other, shake hands. At an informal gathering, when a group of friends are drinking together, it is a sign of friendship to share the same glass. When a large bottle of beer or pisco (a Peruvian alcoholic beverage) is opened, the bottle and glass are passed around in a circle. One is expected to serve oneself a small serving, drink it quickly, then pass both the bottle and glass to the next person. To ask for a separate glass would give offense.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Approximately one-third of the entire Peruvian population lives in the capital city, Lima. Over half live in urban squatter settlements (occupied without lease or rent). These are known as pueblos jóvenes (young towns). Migration to Lima from the Andean region fuels the development of pueblos jóvenes. Uninhabited land is selected and invaded by a group of settlers overnight. The initial housing is usually made out of light reed matting. More-permanent structures are built gradually, bit by bit, as the family can afford to buy bricks and mortar. In addition to poor housing, residents of the pueblos jóvenes suffer from a lack of basic services. While the majority now have electricity in their houses, water is scarce. Unsanitary conditions create serious health hazards.
The residents of the modern suburbs of Lima have living standards comparable to those found in the United States. Suburban houses range from high-rise apartments to grand colonial houses. In periods of drought, however, even these sectors have their water and electricity rationed by the municipality.
CUISINE

Peru has one of the most developed cuisines of Latin America. Many dishes are a delicate combination of South American Indian, Spanish, and African ingredients and cooking traditions. Seafood is the dominant ingredient on the coast, yucca and plantains in the jungle, and potatoes in the Andes. The national dish of Peru is ceviche, a spicy dish of onions and seafood. In ceviche, the fish is cooked not by applying heat but by soaking it for a few hours in lime juice. The acid in the lime juice has the effect of breaking down the protein, thus "cooking" the fish. Sliced onion, hot peppers, and chopped coriander are then added. Corn-on-the-cob cut into small sections called choclo are commonly served as a garnish or addition to different kinds of dishes
BUSINESS IN PERU

Peru is the third-largest country in South America; Business centers on the capital, Lima.
Schedule business meetings well in advance and never drop in unexpectedly on a client in Peru; this is not appreciated. Peruvians run on what is called "la hora peruana," or "Peruvian time." This means that your hosts may be as much as an hour late for a scheduled appointment. Peruvians conduct business in a brisk, efficient manner. Negotiators are tenacious and competitive. When presenting information, be direct and to the point. Decisions are typically made at the highest level only, so try to meet with the top executives when possible. Be patient; negotiations will often end without a decision having been made.
Most business is conducted in Spanish, the official language of Peru. Though many Peruvians understand English to a degree, it will be expected that you communicate in their language.
Dress should be formal, with suits and ties the norm. Titles and surnames are usually used upon greeting, and handshakes are standard for men and women. Peruvians typically have three names: first name, father's surname, and then mother's surname. For instance, if you were meeting Peruvian writer Eduardo González Viaña, you would address him as Señor González.
Business cards are usually exchanged and it is useful to have them printed in Spanish on one side.
Lunch in Peru is served later than it is in the United States. Typical lunch meetings will begin between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Peruvians are very proud of their national alcoholic drink, the Pisco Sour, so be prepared for your hosts to offer one during a lunch meeting.