In 1990, Lima contained 30 percent of all of Peru’s population; and of that population about 70 percent of Lima lived in slums (Rodriguez Rabanal); now there are approximately 8.2 million people in Lima today. It is uncertain how many live in slums, or how many people live in them because people keep immigrating to the city or create families there, and many refuse to be a part of any survey. Certainly more than 30 percent of Lima’s population lives in slums; two slums alone contain more than 3 million people, San Juan and Cono Sur (Davis, Planet of Slums). Thousands of children do not attend school past elementary because of the need to help provide for their families, and most of the population lack proper health care and sanitary lives.
- Arlene, American University Student
- Arlene, American University Student