Pakistan
Not been yet
At a glance
- Region
- Southern Asia
- Capital
- Islamabad
- Population
- 251.3 million (2024)
- Area
- 881,912 km²
- Languages
- English, Urdu
- Currency
- Pakistani rupee (PKR)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +92
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is located in South Asia. It is the fifth most populated country in the world.
By the end of 2018, the country recorded a population of 212.2 million and covers an area of 881,913 km2.
The capital city is Islamabad. It was made the official capital in 1967 after the city of Karachi.
Islamabad is a beautiful city with décor.
Karachi, however, is the largest city in the country and is the capital of the Sindh province; it is the country’s industrial and financial centre.
The Khyber Pass connecting Pakistan with Afghanistan.
History
The east and west states of Pakistan were created after the division of India at the end of British rule in 1947 when they gained Independence. However, India continued to support East Pakistan, which in the long-run managed to break away forming Bangladesh.
Food & culture
The culture is grounded on the Islamic culture. It is expressed through religion, language, dressing, literature and poetry.
The major crops include rice, cotton, sugarcane, maize and wheat which is the largest food crop grown.
The common dishes include seeji, dumpakht, haleem, hareesa, halwa puri, biryani and nihari.
Wildlife
The main wildlife animals include bharal, Eurasian lnx, Himalayan goral, Marco polo, marmot, snow leopard, king cobra and markhor which is the country’s national animal.
Festivals & events
Eid ul-Fitr religious festival is celebrated at the end of the Ramadan.
Eid ul-Azha begins 30th July to 31st July in respect of Ibrahim’s honour to God’s command to sacrifice his only son.
Shab e-Barat is celebrated in the month of Sha’ban in remembrance of Muhammad’s city to the city of Mecca.
Other festivals include the Pakistan Day on 23rd March, Independence Day on 14th August and Ashura.
Things to see
The Deosai National Park, Hingol National Park, Lal Suhanra National Park and Chitral Gol National Park are homes to a wide variety of wild animals.
The world’s second-largest salt mine is in northeast part of the country where many tourists visit to see.
The largest bird sanctuary in Asia is Bharatpur which is a major tourist attraction.
Interesting facts
Amongst the Islamic countries, Pakistan was the first to obtain nuclear power.
The world’s highest paved international road called the Karakoram Highway connects the country to China.
The largest irrigation system in the world is also found here. It acquires water from Indus River serving 14.4 million hectares.
Tarbela Dam is the world’s largest earth-filled dam and the fifth largest structure by volume.
Neighbours
My Bucket List goals in Pakistan
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.