Pakistan is a country in South Asia. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometers (340,509 square miles), and the fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 225 million. Here are some detailed aspects of Pakistan:
Pakistan is bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the northwest, Iran to the west, and China to the northeast. The Arabian Sea forms its southern boundary. The country features diverse landscapes from the mountainous regions of the Karakoram Range and Himalayas to the fertile plains of the Indus River basin.
Pakistani culture is a blend of various ethnic groups including Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtuns, Baloch, and Muhajirs, each contributing to the rich tapestry of customs, traditions, and languages. Urdu is the national language, while English is widely used for official and commercial purposes. The country has a vibrant tradition in arts, literature, music, and architecture, heavily influenced by its diverse heritage.
The economy of Pakistan is semi-industrialized with a growing sector in services and manufacturing. Agriculture remains the backbone, with cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, and tobacco being major crops. The textile industry is a significant export sector, alongside leather goods and sports goods. Pakistan has also made strides in information technology services.
Pakistan operates under a federal parliamentary system. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister holds the executive power. The country has experienced several periods of martial law and has had numerous civilian governments since its independence. Political parties like Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Muslim League, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf are prominent.
Pakistan maintains complex relationships with its neighbors, particularly with India, with ongoing disputes over Kashmir. It has strategic relations with United States and China, the latter being a major ally through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan is also a member of several international organizations like the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.