Jan 9, 2013
In 2009, Peru's population was below the national poverty line at 53%, and in 2012 UBELONG cites that the poverty level has steadily reduced and is now around 35%. Peru has sustained economic growth and the Total GDP in 2010 was $275 billion US. Government spending on education has risen in recent years, however public education standards in Peru remain extremely low. The past President, Alberto Fujimori, was convicted due to corruption crimes. Here in Peru, drug trafficking is a serious national problem, as Peru is the world's second largest cocaine producer right after Colombia. Cusco, though surrounded by the immaculate Plaza de Armas and is a well visited tourist city, it is one of the poorest provinces in Peru, and here the majority of residents live under the poverty line. "Abuse, illiteracy, and neglect are common, and early childhood malnutrition affects over a quarter of the children in Cusco, most of who arrive from poverty-stricken Quechua communities".
AWB 2013 Peru
Written by: Courtnay Oddman
Courtnay: Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. With each new experience I can see your potential grow. I believe that one of the reasons Americans are so blind to their own shortcomings is because they do not travel outside of the U.S. We can all learn from your experience and are encouraged to step outside of our comfort zones! We look forward to your daily reports. Nancy & Art
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