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Politics & World • South America

Lima

Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru, located on the central coastal desert along the Pacific Ocean.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru, located on the central coastal desert along the Pacific Ocean. It is the country’s political, cultural, financial, and commercial centre and forms part of the wider Lima Metropolitan Area.

History

Lima was founded in 1535 as Ciudad de los Reyes by Francisco Pizarro. It later became the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru during the colonial period. The city grew into the principal centre of colonial and republican Peru and was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1746.

Geography

Lima is located on Peru’s central coast in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac, and Lurín rivers. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of the Andes, in a dry coastal desert environment. The elevation at central Lima is about 156 metres.

Population and metropolitan area

Lima is Peru’s most populous city, with a metropolitan area exceeding 11 million people in recent estimates. Together with neighbouring Callao, it forms a continuous urban region that serves as the country’s primary urban hub. The city itself has about 10 million people.

Economy and role

Lima is Peru’s leading centre for government, commerce, finance, industry, and culture. Its concentration of institutions and services makes it the main gateway for domestic and international activity in the country.

Key facts

  • Lima is Peru’s capital and largest city.
  • The city lies near the Pacific coast on the Rímac River, within a desert climate zone.
  • Lima is the country’s main political, economic, financial, and cultural centre.
  • It was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro.
  • Lima became the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru during the colonial period.
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Canadian context

Lima is relevant to Canadian readers as Peru’s main international gateway and a major Latin American capital for diplomacy, trade, tourism, and study abroad.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lima known for?
Lima is known as Peru’s capital, largest city, and main centre for government, business, culture, and finance.
When was Lima founded?
Lima was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro.
Where is Lima located?
It is on Peru’s central coast, near the Pacific Ocean, in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac, and Lurín rivers.
Is Lima bigger than Callao?
Yes. Lima is the larger city, while Callao is a nearby seaport that forms part of the same continuous metropolitan area.
What was Lima’s original name?
Its historic colonial name was Ciudad de los Reyes, meaning "City of Kings".
Why is Lima important in Peru?
Lima concentrates national government, major economic activity, and many of the country’s cultural institutions.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lima
    Supports: Capital status, location, city role, founding date, and general overview.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Lima
    Supports: Capital city, location near Callao and the Pacific, elevation, area, name origin, and population estimate.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Lima
    Supports: Founding by Francisco Pizarro, colonial history, earthquake of 1746, and role as economic and cultural centre.