11/16/21

Counting Afro-Peruvians

In the 1400s, it was the land of the Incas. In the centuries that followed, it became home to people from all corners of the Earth. From China, Japan, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, hundreds of thousands of people migrated to Peru, contributing to the formation of its rich cultural tapestry. But Peru's blend of cultures is not without its complexities. Deep-set prejudices and socio-economic gaps still exist along racial lines, particularly if you're black. It's estimated 150 million people in Latin America (one third of its population) are afro-descendants. But unlike some of its neighbors, it is not known how many people in Peru have their roots in Africa.