In the children's book series, where is Paddington Bear originally from?

The story behind the answer

Paddington Bear is from “Darkest Peru.” In Michael Bond’s books, his Aunt Lucy enters the Home for Retired Bears in Lima and sends Paddington to London, where he arrives by ship and is discovered at Paddington Station with a label reading, “Please look after this bear.” The Brown family names him after the station.

His Peruvian origins shape the stories: he’s unfailingly polite, partial to marmalade sandwiches, and often navigates British customs as a curious newcomer. Bond was inspired by seeing evacuee and refugee children with labels in London during and after World War II, using Paddington’s journey to explore themes of migration, kindness, and finding a home.