Overview of Pakistan

Profile

With Karakoram and Himalayan peaks to the north and Arabian Sea to the south, it has diverse terrain. Agriculture and textile industry support the economy, with infrastructure development rapidly progressing in recent years through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Official languages are English and Urdu, with a population exceeding 200 million ranking fifth globally. A nuclear-armed nation and the only Islamic country with experience launching domestic satellites.

Official name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Common name: Pakistan
Numeric code: 586
Alpha-3 code: PAK
Alpha-2 code: PK
Population: Approximately 240 million people (2023)
Population density: Approximately 286
Primary languages: Urdu, English
Major religions: Islam
National anthem: Qaumi Taranah (National Anthem)
Calling code: +92
Internet TLD: .pk

History

Born as a Muslim nation through the 1947 partition of British India.

Experienced Indo-Pakistani wars and domestic coups immediately after independence, with East Pakistan separating as Bangladesh in 1971. Conducted nuclear tests in 1998 becoming a nuclear power. Since 2000s, has advanced economic reforms parallel to counterterrorism and democratization, with civilian transition continuing from 2013 onward. Under all-weather strategic partnership with China, aims to become international logistics hub through port, road, and energy infrastructure development.

Geography & climate

North features 8,000m-class mountains, center has Indus Plain, southwest extends dry plateau and Thar Desert

Mix of subtropical arid climate and alpine climate

Area: Asia / 881913 km²
Capital: Islamabad
Largest city: Karachi
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Mangla Dam Lake, Tarbela Dam Lake
Bordering countries: India, Afghanistan, Iran, China

Natural resources

Natural gas, Coal, Copper, Gold, Rock salt, Limestone, Marble, Hydropower resources, Jade, Iron ore

Politics

Government: Federal parliamentary republic

Economy

Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 370 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 1,600 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Urdu, English

Time zone: Pakistan Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Punjabi, Pashtun, Sindhi, Saraiki, Baloch, Muhajir, Brahui

Life expectancy

Approximately 66 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 62%

National sports

Hockey, Cricket, Kabaddi, Polo, Futsal