UNESCO in PERU

Peru has been a Member State of UNESCO since 1946. UNESCO, whose representation in the country was established in 1995, works together with the Peruvian State providing technical assistance to various sectors in order to contribute to the achievement of its objectives.
Peru is considered an upper-middle-income country, due to the high and sustained economic growth achieved during the last 10 years. However, while in the 2001-2007 period per capita GDP rose by 30.8 percent, poverty was reduced by only 10.5 points, maintaining inequality and social exclusion. Different economic and social indicators indicate the existence of important gaps and place the country among the most inequitable in Latin America (in 2007, the ratio between the highest and lowest expenditure decile was 15.8 times), which is, in turn, the most unequal region in the world. These indicators show major challenges for the country.