Pakistan

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Pakistan's Information


Capital	Islamabad
Languages	Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Saraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashto (alternate name, Pashtu) 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%
Ethnic Groups	Punjabi 44.7%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.4%, Sindhi 14.1%, Sariaki 8.4%, Muhajirs 7.6%, Balochi 3.6%, other 6.3%
Religion	Muslim (official) 96.4% (Sunni 85-90%, Shia 10-15%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 3.6% (2010 est.)
Government	Federal parliamentary republic
Independance	14 August 1947 (from British India)
Area	796,095.00 km²
Water Area	25,220.00 km²
Land Area	770,875.00 km²
Population	201,995,540.00 The Indus River and its tributaries attract most of the settlement, with Punjab province the most densely populated
Location	Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north
No. Bordering Countries	4
Bordering Countries	Afghanistan 2,670 km, China 438 km, India 3,190 km, Iran 959 km
GDP(PPP)	$988,000,000,000.00 (USD)
GDP (Per Capita)	$5,100.00 (USD)
Export Partners	Its major export partners are the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan.
Export Commodities	Its main exports are textiles, rice, leather goods, sporting goods, chemicals, and carpets.
Import Partners	Its major import partners are China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Import Commodities	Its major imports include petroleum, petroleum products, and machinery.
Climate	Mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north
Terrain	Divided into three major geographic areas: the northern highlands, the Indus River plain in the center and east, and the Balochistan Plateau in the south and west

Where is Pakistan?

Located in Southern Asia, Pakistan has a 7,257.00 km border with Afghanistan (2,670 km), China (438 km), India (3,190 km) and Iran (959 km). It has a 1,046.00 km coastline. Various talks and confidence building measures have begun to defuse tensions over the disputed territory of Kashmir.

The capital city of Pakistan is Islamabad. It also serves as the administrative capital of the country. The name Islam-abad means the City of Islam. The city covers an area of 349.81 square miles, and it is governed by the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation with support from the Capital Development Authority. Islamabad’s master-plan divides it into eight zones including a diplomatic enclave, administrative zone, residential areas, industrial sector, commercial district, rural areas, green area, and an educational sector. Islamabad is an alpha city, and it contributes about 1% to the nation’s GDP. Its Human Development Index of 0.87 is categorized as very high, and it is among the safest cities in Pakistan.

Geography

Pakistan has a mean elevation of 900 m above sea level.

It has a desret climate that is temperate in the northwest and arctic in the north. Its terrain is divided into three main areas: the north highlands, the plain in the center and the east, and the Balochistan Plateau in the south and west.

Population

Pakistan has a population of 201,995,540 making it the 6th largest in the world. The majority of the country lives nearby the Indus River.

Punjabi, Sindhi, and Saraiki are all commonly spoken. The major ethnic groups are Palauan, Carolinian, and Asian. The majority of the country identifies as Muslim.

The national language of Pakistan is Urdu. It is also the official language of the country, alongside English, which was a colonial language. In 2015, however, the Pakistani government announced plans to abolish English as a co-official language and make Urdu the only official language of the country. English is mostly used in the government and as a medium of instruction in schools. The religious language of Pakistan Muslims is Arabic, and it is taught in mosques, madrassahs, schools, and other learning institutions. Other foreign languages spoken in the country include Persian and Turkic which were introduced into the country by Mughals. Pakistan also has a sign language known as the Indo-Pakistan Sign Language and more than 50 minor languages.

Government

Pakistan is an independent country. It gained independence from British India in 1947. Its constitution was last ratified in 1973.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world with a population estimate of 207,774,520 in 2017. The nation is found in the southern region of Asia. Pakistan covers an area of 340,509 square miles. The Dominion of Pakistan was established in 1947 as an independent country for Indian Muslims, and it became an Islamic state through a 1956 constitution. Pakistan, as it is now, was formed in 1971 after seceding with East Pakistan, currently known as Bangladesh. Later in 1973, the nation adopted its current constitution which established its present system of governance and administrative divisions.

Economy

Factoring in Purchasing Power Parity, Pakistan's GDP is $988,000,000,000.00 (USD) with $5,100.00 (USD) per capita. This makes it the 25th largest economy and its citizens the 165th richest in the world. The currency of Pakistan is the Rupee (PKR).

Its major export partners are the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan. Its main exports are textiles, rice, leather goods, sporting goods, chemicals, and carpets. Its major import partners are China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Its major imports include petroleum, petroleum products, and machinery.

Flag

The national flag of Pakistan was also the official flag of the Pakistan Dominion which was formed when the country gained independence in 1947. Pakistanis fly the flag on important days such as Independence Day, Defence Day, and Republic Day. The flag is also hoisted at schools, government buildings, and offices each morning to the tune of the national anthem and it is lowered again in the evening before sunset. Hundreds of spectators gather to witness a pompous and enthusiastic flag raising and lowering ceremony at the Wagar Border every day. The flag is a symbol of Pakistan’s sovereignty, and it features in verse three of Pakistan’s national anthem.