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Pakistan

✨ The land of the Indus and K2

Pakistan is a country in South Asia, bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan and Iran to the west, and China to the north, with a coastline along the Arabian Sea. Covering about 882,000 square kilometres, it has a varied landscape that includes the fertile Indus plain, arid plateaus, deserts and high mountain ranges. The Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush meet in the north, where some of the world's highest peaks are found.

K2, at 8,611 metres, is the country's highest mountain and the world's second-highest peak. The Indus River and its tributaries are essential to agriculture and provide water for much of the country's cultivated land. Pakistan has several climate zones, from hot and dry conditions in many lowland areas to colder mountain climates. Islamabad is the capital, while Karachi is the largest city and an important centre for trade and industry.

Pakistan has a long history connected to ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization, whose major urban centres included Mohenjo-daro and Harappa more than four thousand years ago. The region later came under the influence of various Persian, Greek, Central Asian and Muslim powers. Pakistan was created in 1947 when British India was partitioned, becoming a separate state for Muslims of the subcontinent.

The country initially had two geographically separated wings, West Pakistan and East Pakistan; East Pakistan became the independent state of Bangladesh in 1971. Today, Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic. Urdu is the national language and English is an official language used widely in government and education. Agriculture remains important, particularly the cultivation of wheat, rice and cotton, while textiles, manufacturing, services and remittances also contribute to the economy. Pakistan is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including the snow leopard, markhor and Indus river dolphin.

💡 Did you know?

Did you know that in Pakistan, there is a mountain so wild that it is nicknamed the 'Savage Mountain'? It's the K2. It's the second highest peak in the world, after Everest! Many people think it is even more difficult and dangerous to climb than the roof of the world. While it is only 200 meters shorter than Everest, its perfect pyramid shape and its storms make it a formidable challenge for the greatest mountaineers.

Imagine art galleries... rolling on the road! In Pakistan, truck and bus drivers decorate their vehicles in an incredible way. This is 'Truck Art.' They paint flowers, landscapes, magic eyes, and multicolored birds all over metal and wood. They even add small bells and lights so that the truck sings and shines while driving. Each truck is unique and often tells its driver's story.

Did you know that the vast majority of the world's footballs are made in Pakistan? The city of Sialkot is the world capital of the round ball! Some of the highest-performing balls are hand-stitched there, including those used during several World Cups. Without the talent of Pakistani artisans, many football matches would not have the same brilliance!