Lima

Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru, located on the country's Pacific coast in the Lima Province. It serves as Peru's political, economic and cultural centre, hosting the headquarters of most national government institutions and major corporations. The metropolitan area is home to a population of about ten million people, making it one of the largest cities in South America. Lima's economy is driven by manufacturing, finance, trade and services, and the city functions as the primary gateway for foreign investment into Peru's mining and resources sectors. Its port, Callao, is one of the busiest on the Pacific coast of South America and handles a large share of the country's mineral exports, including copper, gold, zinc and lithium-related products. Mining companies operating projects elsewhere in Peru, such as lithium developments in the Puno region, typically maintain corporate or administrative offices in Lima to liaise with regulators and investors. The city has significant colonial-era architecture, with its historic centre recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lima was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and served as the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, giving it a long history as an administrative and commercial hub. Today it remains central to national business activity, including sectors tied to critical minerals development.