Peru is one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America. From 2002 to 2012, the country has been growing at an average rate of 1.5 percent on a quarter over quarter basis due to a rise in exports of commodities. As a result, the national poverty rate fell from 48.5 percent in 2004 to 27.8 percent in 2011, yet inequality remains high. In order to keep the current pace of growth, Peru needs to diversify the economy, improve the infrastructure and provide more funds for the development of non-coastal areas. Peru is the world's third-largest producer of copper, zinc and silver.