Issue Watch

About Angus Reid Global Monitor

The definitive online source for examining worldwide public opinion and democratic processes.

The Global Monitor is a vital source of timely political intelligence for journalists, students, policy makers, and citizens. By merging academic expertise with the highest journalistic standards, we seek to advance research, improve information exchange, and enhance understanding of the changing dynamic of public opinion and democracy.
Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

All fields are required.

Unemployment Is Main Concern for Peruvians

May 19, 2007

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Peru are concerned about the lack of job opportunities in the country, according to a poll by Apoyo published in El Comercio. 53 per cent of respondents think unemployment is Peru's most pressing issue.

Poverty is second on the list with 39 per cent, followed by corruption with 36 per cent, lack of safety with 35 per cent, inadequate education with 27 per cent, drug use and drug trafficking with 21 per cent, human rights with 19 per cent, and health care with 14 per cent.

In June 2006, Alan García—a member of the American Revolutionary People's Alliance (APRA)—won Peru's presidential election in a run-off against nationalist Ollanta Humala of the Union for Peru (UP). In July, García officially took over as president. He had previously served as Peru's head of state from 1985 to 1990.

In late April, García said a proposed free trade agreement with the United States would help Peru "keep and maintain a strong democracy," adding: "It is important to show the world that a democracy, with investment, leads to development."

Earlier this month, Peru's National Statistics Institute (INEI) revealed that the Peruvian economy grew by 8.03 per cent last year. Unemployment in Lima's metropolitan area increased to 9.0 per cent in April.

Polling Data

In your view, what are the main problems in the country right now?

Unemployment

53%

Poverty

39%

Corruption

36%

Lack of safety

35%

Inadequate education

27%

Drug use / Drug trafficking

21%

Abuse of authority / Human rights

19%

Health care

14%

Source: Apoyo / El Comercio
Methodology: Interviews with 1,007 Peruvian adults, conducted from Apr. 18 to Apr. 20, 2007. Margin of error is 3.0 per cent.