Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The word "Peru" carries multiple meanings depending on context:
The primary meaning: a country on the west coast of South America, bordering Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and the Pacific. Home to the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu, the Amazon headwaters, and 33 million people. Capital: Lima. Official languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara.
The national currency since 1991 (replacing the inti). Subdivided into 100 céntimos. Often referred to colloquially as "peruvian sol" or just "soles."
A city of ~11,000 in Miami County, north-central Indiana. Founded 1834. Known as the "Circus Capital of the World" (winter quarters for major circuses 1884–1941). Home to the International Circus Hall of Fame. Birthplace of Cole Porter.
"Peruvian cuisine," "Peruvian textiles," "Peruvian music," "the Peruvian diaspora"—using the country name as an adjective for culture, people, or products.
Likely from Birú, a local ruler's name near Panama encountered by early Spanish explorers (1520s), extended southward by Pizarro. Not Quechua or Aymara in origin.
Default assumption: Unless specified, "Peru" = the South American nation.