Pakistan Map

Description: This map shows governmental boundaries of countries; provinces, province capital cities, and major cities and towns in Pakistan.

Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, occupies a strategic location in South Asia, covering an area of 340,509 square miles (881,913 square kilometers). The country borders Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the southwest, China to the northeast, and India to the east. The Arabian Sea forms Pakistan's southern boundary, providing 650 miles of coastline.

The nation maintains a population of approximately 241 million people (2023 census), making it the world's fifth-most populous country. Islamabad serves as the capital city, while Karachi, with over 16 million inhabitants, functions as the largest city and primary financial center. Other major urban centers include Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi.

Pakistan's economy ranks as the 24th largest in the world by purchasing power parity. The country maintains diverse economic sectors, including agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing. Agriculture employs about 39% of the workforce and contributes 19% to the GDP. Pakistan stands among the world's largest producers of cotton, wheat, sugarcane, and rice. The textile industry represents the largest manufacturing sector, accounting for 60% of exports.

The geography encompasses diverse landscapes, from the Himalayan and Hindu Kush mountains in the north to the Arabian Sea coast in the south. K2, the world's second-highest peak at 28,251 feet (8,611 meters), lies within Pakistan's borders. The Indus River and its tributaries form the primary water system, supporting extensive irrigation networks across the country.

Tourism in Pakistan centers on its natural and historical attractions. The country features five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-daro, Taxila, and the Lahore Fort. The Karakoram Highway, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," attracts adventure tourists and serves as a crucial trade route connecting Pakistan with China. The northern areas, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan, draw mountaineers and trekkers from around the globe.

The nation possesses significant mineral resources, including coal, copper, natural gas, and salt mines. The Thar Desert contains one of the world's largest coal reserves. Pakistan also maintains a growing technology sector, with major cities developing into IT hubs. The country launched its space program in 1961 and successfully operates several communications satellites.

Pakistan faces various environmental challenges, including water scarcity, deforestation, and air pollution in urban areas. The government has initiated several conservation projects, including the Billion Tree Tsunami program, aimed at increasing forest cover and combating climate change effects.

Flag:
Capital:	Islamabad
Area:	340,509 sq mi (881,913 sq km)
Population:	~ 241,499,431 (2023 census)[1]
Official language:	Urdu, English
Religion:	96.4% - Islam (official) 2.2% - Hinduism 1.4% - Christianity 0.1% - other
Ethnic groups:	38.8% - Punjabis 18.2% - Pashtuns 14.6% - Sindhis 12.2% - Saraikis 7.1% - Muhajirs 3% - Baloch 6.1% - Others
Currency:	Pakistani rupee (₨) (PKR)
Driving side:	Left
Calling code:	+92
Internet TLD:	.pk
Time zone:	UTC+05:00 (PKT)
Gross domestic product (PPP) (2024 estimate):	$1.584 trillion (Total) $6,715 (Per capita)
Gross domestic product (nominal) (2024 estimate):	$374.595 billion (Total) $1,588 (Per capita)
Official government website:	www.pakistan.gov.pk

List of Largest Cities in Pakistan

Main sights in Pakistan

Administrative Units of Pakistan

Geography of Pakistan

Pakistan occupies 340,509 square miles (881,913 square kilometers) in South Asia, bordering India to the east, Afghanistan to the northwest, Iran to the west, and China to the northeast. The Arabian Sea forms Pakistan's southern boundary, providing 1,046 kilometers of coastline.

The country's topography consists of three distinct geographical regions: the northern highlands, including parts of the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan mountain ranges; the Indus River plain in the center; and the Balochistan Plateau in the southwest. K2, the world's second-highest peak at 8,611 meters, stands prominently in Pakistan's northern territory.

Pakistan experiences diverse climatic conditions. The northern mountainous areas maintain sub-zero temperatures and receive regular snowfall, while the central plains and southern regions face extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C in summer. The country receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon season, which occurs between July and September. Annual precipitation varies significantly, from less than 250mm in the southern desert regions to over 1,500mm in the northern highlands.

The Indus River system, including its five major tributaries - Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas - serves as Pakistan's lifeline. This network supports extensive irrigation systems and provides essential water resources for agriculture, which accounts for approximately 20% of the country's GDP.

Five major ecological zones characterize Pakistan's landscape: coastal areas, desert, plains, plateaus, and mountains. This geographical diversity supports various ecosystems and contributes to the country's rich biodiversity, though rapid urbanization and climate change increasingly threaten these natural systems.

Major Rivers of Pakistan

The highest peaks in Pakistan

Brief History of Pakistan

The territory of modern Pakistan witnessed the emergence of the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE), one of the world's earliest urban cultures. The region subsequently experienced multiple invasions, including those by Alexander the Great, Arab Muslims, and various Central Asian empires.

The arrival of Islam in the 8th century CE fundamentally transformed the region's cultural and social landscape. The Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire established significant administrative control over the area from the 13th to the 19th centuries. British colonial rule began in 1858, following the dissolution of the East India Company's authority, and continued until 1947.

The Pakistan Movement, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, advocated for a separate Muslim state in British India. This culminated in the partition of British India on August 14, 1947, creating the independent nations of Pakistan and India. The partition resulted in massive population exchanges and communal violence that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

Pakistan initially comprised two geographically separated regions: West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Internal political tensions and economic disparities led to civil war in 1971, resulting in East Pakistan's secession as Bangladesh. The country experienced periods of military rule under Ayub Khan (1958-1969), Yahya Khan (1969-1971), Zia-ul-Haq (1977-1988), and Pervez Musharraf (1999-2008).

Modern Pakistan maintains significant geopolitical importance due to its strategic location, nuclear capabilities (developed in 1998), and role in regional politics. The country faces ongoing challenges including political instability, economic fluctuations, and security concerns, while continuing to develop its democratic institutions and international relationships.