Islam in Peru Islam in Peru The statistics for Islam in Peru estimate a total Muslim population of 5,000, largely based in the capital of Lima, Peru; a number which has remained static since 1980. Its represents 0.015 % out of total population of 32,555,000 inhabitants. Islam was historically introduced by Spanish Moors, although today's population is almost entirely of Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian origin. In 1560, the Spanish rulers of Peru sentenced Lope de la Pena, described as a "Moor from Guadalajara", to life imprisonment for the crime of "having practiced and spread Islam" in Cuzco and was also required to wear
Rioja, Peru Rioja, Peru Rioja is the capital of Rioja Province in the San Martín Region in northern Peru. It is situated to the west of Moyobamba. There are 24,263 inhabitants according to the 2007 census. The town is 848 metres above sea level and has a semi-humid subtropical climate. During the period of the Incas, the Rioja Province was inhabited by two tribes, the Uquihuas and the Chepenes. At the end of the 16th century, one of the first Catholic missionaries arrived at Uquihua. Rioja was founded in September, 1782 and was originally named "Santo Toribio de la Nueva Rioja". Rioja