A total of 8,760,093 Peruvians identify as members of an Indigenous or native people or the Afro-Peruvian people, according to the results of the 2025 National Census presented by the
This figure represents 26.8% of the national population—more than one-quarter of the 32,706,028 people surveyed in the census.
Likewise, it provides updated information that will help strengthen public policies aimed at addressing the country's cultural diversity.
In response to the census question, "Based on your ancestors, customs, or traditions (...), do you identify or consider yourself to be," the results showed that 6,783,697 people identify as members of an Indigenous or native people.
Meanwhile, 1,976,396 identify as members of the Afro-Peruvian people.
According to the INEI, 58.4% of the Indigenous or native population lives in urban areas, while 41.6% resides in rural areas. Women account for 51.5% of this population and men for 48.5%.
Additionally, Puno (16.2%), Lima (13.7%), and Cusco (13.6%) account for the largest shares of the country's Indigenous or native population.
Among the Afro-Peruvian population, the largest shares are found in Piura (21.6%), La Libertad (15.3%), and Cajamarca (12.1%).
Indigenous languages
The census results also revealed that 5,105,146 people speak at least one Indigenous or native language, providing information that will help strengthen efforts to ensure linguistically appropriate public services and promote the preservation of Peru's linguistic diversity.
Among the population whose mother tongue is an Indigenous or native language, 52.8% live in urban areas, while 47.1% reside in rural areas.
Women account for 52.1% of this population and men for 47.9%.
Puno (15.8%), Cusco (14.9%), and Lima (12.9%) account for the largest shares of Indigenous language speakers.
Regarding these results, Deputy Interculturality Minister Percy Barranzuela highlighted that the 2025 National Census provides a fundamental resource for the State by offering updated data that will contribute to strengthening policies, programs, and public services with an intercultural approach.
"The Ministry of Culture will continue promoting actions to recognize and guarantee the collective rights of Indigenous or native peoples and the Afro-Peruvian people," Barranzuela indicated.
“This information will also enable the State to identify gaps and guide policies and interventions that respond to the country's cultural and territorial diversity," he added.
Other details
Of the total number of people who identify as members of an Indigenous or native people, 92.5% belong to Andean Indigenous peoples and 7.5% to Amazonian Indigenous peoples.
Among Andean Indigenous peoples, the Quechua (82.7%) and Aymara (9.7%) account for the largest shares of the population.
Among Amazonian Indigenous peoples, the Awajun (24.2%) and Ashaninka (19.1%) account for the largest shares of the population.