Pakistan is a country 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. It has a population of over 220 million people, making it the fifth-most populous country in the world.

Pakistan gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947, and since then, it has experienced political instability, military rule, and sectarian violence. Its political system is a federal parliamentary democratic republic, with the president serving as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government.

Pakistan is a rapidly developing country, with a diverse economy based on agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing. It is also rich in natural resources, including coal, gas, and minerals, and has a large potential for renewable energy.

Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Indian, Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic influences. Its official languages are Urdu and English, but other regional languages are also spoken throughout the country. Islam is the dominant religion in Pakistan, and the country is home to several important religious sites, including the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.

Pakistan has made significant progress in improving access to education and healthcare in recent years, but it still faces many challenges, including poverty, corruption, and a growing population. The country has also been affected by terrorism and sectarian violence, particularly in the northwestern region of the country.

Telephone Code
92

Local Emergency Phone
15

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Polio vaccination within one year before travel may be required to exit Pakistan. See WHO recommendations. Note: Pakistan is one of two countries with endemic wild polio virus and considered high risk for international spread of the disease. Before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; in addition, before travel to any high-risk destination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.

Climate
Mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north

Currency (Code)
Pakistani rupees (PKR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D

Major Languages
Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Urdu, Balochi, Hindko, English

Major Religions
Muslim (official) 96.5% (Sunni 85-90%, Shia 10-15%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 3.5%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Islamabad (includes Pakistan Monument Museum, Faisal Mosque); Naltar Valley & Lakes; Neelum Valley; Skardu; Gojal Valley; Deosai National Park; Lahore (includes Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens); Hunza Valley (includes Baltit Fort); Mohenjo daro

Major Sports
Cricket, field hockey, squash, soccer, polo

Cultural Practices
Pakistani culture is very hierarchical, with age being one of the most important aspects, if not the most important. When interacting with Pakistanis, greet and show deference to the eldest person. It is impolite to start eating before the eldest member at the table has begun to eat.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping about 30-50 rupees at local restaurants is greatly appreciated. It is best to tip hotel staff directly or leave small change on the table of your hotel room. Taxis do not usually expect a tip.

Souvenirs
Shawls, carpets, onyx and other gemstones and jewelry, inlaid wood furniture and crafts

Traditional Cuisine
Chicken Biryani — a rice dish layered with curried chicken, herbs, biryani spices (including curry, turmeric, allspice, and cardamom), and sometimes potatoes or eggs

Geography
Area
total: 796,095 sq km
land: 770,875 sq km
water: 25,220 sq km

Climate
mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north

Natural resources
arable land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone

People and Society
Population
247,653,551 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Punjabi 44.7%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.4%, Sindhi 14.1%, Saraiki 8.4%, Muhajirs 7.6%, Balochi 3.6%, other 6.3%

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%

Religions
Muslim (official) 96.5% (Sunni 85-90%, Shia 10-15%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 3.5% (2020 est.)

Population growth rate
1.91% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
federal parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Islamabad

Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income South Asian economy; extremely high debt; endemic corruption; major currency devaluation; major food insecurity and inflation; environmentally fragile agricultural sector; regional disputes with India and Afghanistan hinder investment

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$1.211 trillion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$5,200 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
sugar cane, buffalo milk, wheat, milk, rice, maize, potatoes, cotton, fruit, mangoes/guavas

Industries
textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp

Exports
$35.566 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United States 14%, China 8%, Germany 7%, United Kingdom 6% (2019)

Exports - commodities
textiles, clothing and apparel, rice, leather goods, surgical instruments (2019)

Imports
$76.392 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 28%, United Arab Emirates 11%, United States 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, natural gas, palm oil, scrap iron (2019)