Dates: May 25 to June 4, 2012
 
The Expedition is a journey through all the phases of a social science research project devoted to understanding the dimensions of urban poverty in Lima. The poorest neighborhoods in Lima are shantytowns far from the city center that face multiple socioeconomic and infrastructure challenges. Expedition participants become part of a research team to study poverty issues in one of the most populous shantytowns in Lima, gain practical skills on the ground and share what they learn with locals and the international development community.
 
The Expedition includes pre-departure briefings where participants refine the research plan, assist with fieldwork logistics and design research instruments. In Lima, participants engage in research work involving a variety of data collection methods and volunteer in a local project to give back and better understand the role of international volunteers in the community. The team also enjoys various recreational activities, including a visit to Cusco and Machu Picchu at the end of the trip. Upon returning from Peru, the team analyzes the data and presents research findings.
 

General
Land area: Half a million square miles (about twice the size of France)
Capital: Lima
Population (2010): 28 million
Official languages: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara
    
Economy and Development
Currency: Nuevo sol
Total GDP (PPP) (2010): US$275 billion
GDP (PPP) per capita (2010): US$9,335
Top three export industries (2010): Copper, gold, zinc
Human development index (2010): .723 (ranked 63 out of 194 countries)
Population below the national poverty line (2009): 53%
Female adult literacy rate (2009): 85%
Male adult literacy rate (2009): 94%
Population not using improved water source (2009): 16%
 
Source: United Nations Development Program & World Bank