Peru has successfully emerged from decades of guerrilla insurgency, political turmoil and instability to the current market-oriented administration. With the backing of the country's business sector, President Alan Garcia has implemented investor-friendly policies. Rising incomes, investment related to natural gas project, growing exports of minerals, textiles and agricultural produce will fuel the economy, spurring strong fiscal revenue growth. Still, according to official figures, almost half of Peruvians still live in poverty.

Despite a very positive economic outlook and promising future in Peru and the region, South Americans receive comparatively low compensation on average for the work they perform. The basics have not changed yet. Local pay in developing and emerging market countries is only a fraction of that in the industrialized nations. The average purchasing power in Central and South America is just a third of the level in North America . After buying the basic goods and services, workers in North America and Europe have far more left over for vacations, luxury items or savings.