About Chimbote

Peru is located in western South America on the Pacific Ocean and is proportionate in size to the state of Alaska. The topography is comprised of three very diverse regions: the western coastal plains, the high and rugged Andes mountains and the eastern lowland jungle of the Amazon Basin. It has a population of just under 30 million people with approximately 25% living in its capital city of Lima. Peru is divided into 25 regions and while it remains a poor country, it is one of the richest in terms of natural resources such as gold, silver, and copper. The political structure in Peru is a presidential representative democratic republic. The government is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Sadly, corruption is a very significant problem in Peru and a great divide remains between the very wealthy and those living in poverty.

Chimbote is the largest city in the Ancash region of Peru, and the capital of both the Santa Province and Chimbote District. Home to more than 400,000 people, many of whom live in extreme poverty, Chimbote lies approximately 250 miles north of Lima in a coastal desert region.

In 1940, Chimbote was a small fishing port with a population of 2,400. Following the opening of several fish factories and an iron and steel plant, the village population multiplied more than seventy times boosting the inhabitants to 170,000 by 1970. That same year, with a continued migration of countless families from the mountains seeking employment, a devastating earthquake occurred in Chimbote. An estimated 70,000 lives were lost and thousands were left homeless.  Since then the city of Chimbote has slowly been rebuilt but lacks infrastructure.  Overfishing has occurred along with environmental pollution leading to hundreds of fishing boats floating empty in the Chimbote harbor and fish factories closed or in partial operating mode. Along with long-standing governmental corruption at all levels, these factors continue to contribute to an economy in Chimbote that has left thousands of families struggling to survive.

Modern Day Chimbote

Today, Chimbote continues to see high rates of unemployment, a deflated fishing industry, corrupt politicians, and thousands of residents living in windowless, woven-reed shacks. While the infrastructure has been improved in some areas with sidewalks and paved streets, the impoverished neighborhoods (commonly referred to as barrios) served by our mission often lack even the most basic needs such as sewer, running water, or electricity.

The education system in Peru has been and continues to be dismal with the Peruvian government historically investing less in its education system than most of its neighboring countries in South America. A 2012 study conducted by PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) rated 15-year-old students from 64 countries on their knowledge and skills that are essential for full participation in modern society. Areas assessed included reading, mathematics, science, and problem-solving. Sadly, Peru was ranked the lowest of all 64 countries.

Amidst the despair in Chimbote related to unemployment, inadequate housing, and a poor education system, the Friends of Chimbote mission is becoming recognized as a leading organization in the community through its focus on education, empowerment, and transformation.

Interesting Facts About Chimbote

• Peru is home to the PUYA RAIMANDII, the world's tallest flowering plant which is over 5 meters tall and holds over 30,000 blooms.

• Peruvian COATI DUNG COFFEE is the most expensive in the world. 

• In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

• The largest flying bird on earth can be found in Peru, THE ANDEAN CONDOR

• There are over 3,000 different varieties of potatoes grown in Peru.

• The Amazon river is the longest river in the world and its starts in Peru.

• The ATACAMA DESERT located in Peru and Chile is the driest place on earth.

• SPANISH is the official language, with Quechua and Aymrar as secondary languages

• COTAHUASI CANYON in Peru is the deepest canyon in the world. It has a depth of 3,232 meters - which is twice the depth of the United States Grand Canyon.

• FISHING remains one of Chimbote’s chief industries, though recurring El Ninos and overfishing has caused restrictions to be imposed to ensure its survival.