Pakistan
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National landmarks of Pakistan -
Natural landscapes of Pakistan -
Culture and heritage of Pakistan
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Modern cities of Pakistan
Pakistan
Islamic Republic of Pakistan | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Islamabad |
| Largest city | Karachi |
| Official languages | Urdu, English |
| Demonym(s) | Pakistani |
| Government | Federal parliamentary republic |
| Area | |
• Total | 881,913 km2 (340,509 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• Estimate | 250,000,000+ |
| Currency | Pakistani Rupee (PKR) |
| Calling code | +92 |
| ISO 3166 code | PK |
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country and the second-largest Muslim-majority nation by population. Pakistan shares borders with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China, while its southern coastline lies along the Arabian Sea.
The country was established on 14 August 1947 following the partition of British India. Its capital is Islamabad, while Karachi serves as its largest city and principal financial center.
Etymology
The name "Pakistan" means "Land of the Pure" in Urdu and Persian. The term was popularized in the 1930s by Choudhry Rahmat Ali as a name for a proposed Muslim homeland in South Asia.
History
The region that now forms Pakistan has been home to some of the world's oldest civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2500 BCE.
Throughout history, the area was influenced by various empires and dynasties, including:
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Achaemenid Empire
- Maurya Empire
- Delhi Sultanate
- Mughal Empire
- British Empire
Pakistan gained independence on 14 August 1947 and became a sovereign nation.
Geography
Pakistan covers an area of approximately 881,913 square kilometers and features diverse landscapes including:
- Mountains
- Deserts
- Plains
- Rivers
- Coastal regions
The northern areas contain some of the world's highest peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth.
Major Regions
- Punjab
- Sindh
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Balochistan
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- Islamabad Capital Territory
Climate
Pakistan experiences a variety of climates due to its geographical diversity.
- Hot desert climate in southern regions
- Temperate climate in northern valleys
- Monsoon rainfall during summer
- Snowfall in mountainous areas
Government and Politics
Pakistan operates as a federal parliamentary republic. The government consists of:
- President
- Prime Minister
- Parliament
- Judiciary
The Constitution of Pakistan establishes the framework of governance and fundamental rights.
Economy
Pakistan has a mixed economy supported by:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Information Technology
- Services
- Telecommunications
- Textile Industry
Major exports include textiles, rice, sports goods, surgical instruments, and information technology services.
Demographics
Pakistan is home to over 250 million people and contains numerous ethnic and linguistic groups.
Major languages include:
- Urdu
- Punjabi
- Pashto
- Sindhi
- Balochi
- Saraiki
Education
Pakistan has a large educational system comprising:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Colleges
- Universities
- Technical institutes
Higher education institutions contribute significantly to research and professional development.
Culture
Pakistani culture reflects influences from South Asian, Central Asian, Persian, and Islamic traditions.
Important cultural elements include:
- Traditional clothing
- Music
- Literature
- Architecture
- Festivals
- Cuisine
Popular foods include biryani, nihari, karahi, kebabs, and various regional dishes.
Sports
Cricket is the most popular sport in Pakistan.
Other widely played sports include:
- Hockey
- Football
- Squash
- Badminton
- Kabaddi
Pakistan has achieved international success in cricket and squash.
Tourism
Popular tourist destinations include:
- Northern mountain regions
- Hunza Valley
- Skardu
- Swat Valley
- Lahore
- Islamabad
- Mohenjo-daro
- Taxila
The country's natural beauty attracts visitors from around the world.
National Symbols
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See Also
References
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