Peru's promise and problems are explored. By any measure, Peru is one of the world's most scenic, historic, intriguing, and diverse countries. But in many ways, it also is a very troubled land. Few countries have a greater potential for development than Peru, but the country reflects a glorious and turbulent past and faces an uncertain future. Peru's cultural history is as diverse and fascinating as the country's natural landscapes. Since the conquest, Spaniards have dominated the country's political, social, and economic institutions leading to an imbalance of power and opportunity between different groups in the land. These problems spill over in political instability and terrorist activity and have had a negative impact on all Peruvians.