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About Pakistan

Pakistan is located in South Asia, bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan and Iran to the west, China to the north, and the Arabian Sea to the south. Covering an area of approximately 881,912 square kilometers, Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world with over 255 million people. The nation serves as a crucial crossroads between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, with diverse landscapes ranging from coastal areas to towering mountains in the north.

Pakistan was established in 1947 as a homeland for Muslims during the partition of British India, making it one of the world's largest Muslim-majority nations. The country has a rich cultural heritage influenced by ancient Indus Valley civilization, Mughal Empire traditions, and Islamic practices. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca, though English is widely used in government and business, and numerous regional languages including Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi reflect the nation's ethnic diversity. Islam is the state religion, practiced by approximately 96% of the population.

Pakistan's geography is remarkably varied, featuring the world's second-highest peak K2 in the Karakoram Range, the Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountain systems in the north, and fertile plains watered by the Indus River system. The climate ranges from tropical in the south to temperate in the north, with the mighty Indus River serving as the lifeline of Pakistan's agriculture. Notable features include the Thar Desert, lush valleys of Kashmir and Swat, and the strategic Khyber Pass connecting South and Central Asia.

Pakistan's economy is diverse, encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, and services, with textiles being a major export sector. The country is also rich in natural resources and has growing industries in information technology and telecommunications. Major cities include Islamabad (the modern planned capital), Karachi (the largest city and economic hub on the Arabian Sea coast), Lahore (the cultural heart), Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi, each playing vital roles in Pakistan's economic development and urbanization.

Major Cities

• Karachi - Pakistan's largest city and economic capital with over 16 million people, serving as the country's main seaport and financial center
• Lahore - The cultural capital and second-largest city with 13 million people, known for Mughal architecture and vibrant arts scene
• Islamabad - The modern planned capital city with 1.1 million people, known for its organization and proximity to the Margalla Hills
• Faisalabad - Pakistan's third-largest city and industrial hub, particularly known for textile manufacturing
• Rawalpindi - A major military and commercial center adjacent to Islamabad with over 2 million people

Interesting Facts

• Pakistan is home to K2, the world's second-highest peak at 8,611 meters, located in the Karakoram Range
• The ancient Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's oldest urban civilizations, flourished in what is now Pakistan around 2500 BCE
• Pakistan has the world's highest paved international road, the Karakoram Highway, connecting to China at an elevation of 4,693 meters
• The country is the world's fifth-largest milk producer and has the third-largest Muslim population globally
• Lahore's Badshahi Mosque, built in 1671, can accommodate 100,000 worshippers and is one of the largest mosques in the world
• Pakistan has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient Buddhist ruins of Taxila and the Lahore Fort