Pakistan

PAKISTAN POPULATION: 172,800,04837 VISITORS FROM HERE! « Previous Country | Next Country » Back to Top Countries Background The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples. The area underwent successive invasions in subsequent centuries from the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and Turks. The Mughal Empire flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries; the British came to dominate the region in the 18th century. The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with West and East sections) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two wars - in 1947-48 and 1965 - over the disputed Kashmir territory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India capitalized on Islamabad's marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998. The dispute over the state of Kashmir is ongoing, but discussions and confidence-building measures have led to decreased tensions since 2002. Mounting public dissatisfaction with President MUSHARRAF, coupled with the assassination of the prominent and popular political leader, Benazir BHUTTO, in late 2007, and MUSHARRAF's resignation in August 2008, led to the September presidential election of Asif ZARDARI, BHUTTO's widower. Pakistani government and military leaders are struggling to control Islamist militants, many of whom are located in the tribal areas adjacent to the border with Afghanistan. The November 2008 Mumbai attacks again inflamed Indo-Pakistan relations. The Pakistani Government is also faced with a deteriorating economy as foreign exchange reserves decline, the currency depreciates, and the current account deficit widens. Geography Controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. Location:Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north Geographic 30 00 N, 70 00 E coordinates: Area:total: 803,940 sq km land: 778,720 sq km water: 25,220 sq km Size comparison: slightly less than twice the size of California Land Boundaries:total: 6,774 km border countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km Coastline:1,046 km Maritime claims:territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Climate:mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north Terrain:flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west Elevation extremes:lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m Natural resources:land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, desertification Internationalparty to: Biodiversity.1% (2001 est. other 6. Hazardous Agreements:Wastes.) ^Back to Top Government Country name:conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan .deaths:4.) HIV/AIDS .85 deaths/1.000 live births male: 67. limestone Land use:arable land: 24. Muhagirs 7. Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol.68%. Marine Dumping.) Death rate:7.07 years female: 65.000 population (2008 est. Ship Pollution.000 population (2008 est.42%. Sariaki 8. and agricultural runoff.28% Religions:Muslim 95% (Sunni 75%. soil erosion.89 male(s)/female total population: 1. limited Issues:natural fresh water resources.292.2% (male 3.) Birth rate:28. but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation ^Back to Top People Population:172.9% male: 63% female: 36% (2005 est.300 sq km (2003) Natural hazards:frequent earthquakes. Sindhi 12%.258) 15-64 years: 58% (male 51.900 (2003 est. Balochi 3. Pashtu 8%.) Population growth rate:1.people 74.44% permanent crops: 0.023) 65 years and over: 4.741. Sindhi 14. lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries).048 (July 2008 est.617.000 live births (2008 est.6 years (2008 est. other (includes Christian and Hindu) 5% Languages:Punjabi 48%.) Median age:total: 20.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.999% (2008 est. Ozone Layer Protection.800. deforestation. industrial wastes. Brahui 1%.000 live births female: 66.) living with HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS .535/female 48.94 deaths/1.04 deaths/1. Hindko 2%. Environmental Modification.57%.copper.921.749/female 3.57%. most of the population does not have access to potable water.) Life expectancy attotal population: 64. Climate Change.953/female 31.51 migrant(s)/1. Wetlands signed.) Total fertility rate:3. Endangered Species.adult 0.04 male(s)/female (2008 est. Pashtun (Pathan) 15.72% (2005) Irrigated land:182. Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%.84 deaths/1.) prevalence rate: HIV/AIDS .8% (male 33.35 births/1. English (official.13 years birth:male: 63.818. Shia 20%).) Age structure:0-14 years: 37.000 population (2008 est.3 years female: 20.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0. Balochi 3%. EnvironmentDesertification.000 (2001 est. Law of the Sea.) Nationality:noun: Pakistani(s) adjective: Pakistani Ethnic groups:Punjabi 44.) Net migration rate:-0.5 years male: 20.38%.1%.84% other: 74.) Infant mortality rate:total: 66.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.73 children born/woman (2008 est. occasionally severe especially in north and west. flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August) Current Environmentwater pollution from raw sewage.408.) Sex ratio:at birth: 1.533) (2008 est. Burushaski and other 8% Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 49. salt. Urdu (official) 8%.25 years (2008 est. seats by party . independents 12. amended 31 December 2003. MMA 7.percent of votes by party . PKMAP 3.NA. 10 seats reserved for nonMuslims.conventional short form: Pakistan local long form: Jamhuryat Islami Pakistan local short form: Pakistan former: West Pakistan Government type:federal republic Capital:name: Islamabad geographic coordinates: 33 42 N.any person who is a Muslim and not less than 45 years of age and is qualified to be elected as a member of the National Assembly can contest the presidential election. JWP 1. note . 23 March (1956) Constitution:12 April 1973. BNP-A 1. SYED 44 votes. SIDDIQUE 153 votes. to serve five-year terms) elections: Senate . election last held on 24 March 2008 election results: Asif Ali ZARDARI elected president. BNP-A 1. PML-N 4. 1 territory*. ANP 13. MQM 25. universal. suspended 3 November 2007. restored in stages in 2002. seats by party . election last held on 6 September 2008 (next to be held not later than 2013). 272 members elected by popular vote. ZARDARI 481 votes. joint electorates and reserved parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims Executive branch:chief of state: President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 9 September 2008) note: following President Pervez MUSHARRAF's resignation on 18 August 2008. NPP 1. 73 10 E time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington. the prime minister is selected by the National Assembly. PML-F 5. North-West Frontier Province.last held on 18 February 2008 with by-elections on 26 June 2008 (next to be held in 2013) election results: Senate . Balochistan. PPPS 1. elections were held on 6 September in which Asif Ali ZARDARI won a clear majority. NA 1.NA. and 1 capital territory**. MQM 6. accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations Suffrage:18 years of age. PML-F 1. ZARDARI'S inauguration as president of Pakistan on 9 September solidified the country's return to civilian government after more than eight years of military rule head of government: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI (since 25 March 2008) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the advice of the prime minister elections: the president is elected by secret ballot through an Electoral College comprising the members of the Senate. one half are elected every three years) and the National Assembly (342 seats. ANP 2. Pervaiz ELAHI 42 votes. PML-N 91. Islamabad Capital Territory**.3 seats remain unfilled Judicial branch:Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president).percent of vote by party . Punjab. note . Federally divisions:Administered Tribal Areas*. PPPP 10. suspended 15 October 1999.PML 38. members indirectly elected by provincial assemblies and the territories' representatives in the National Assembly to serve six-year terms. MMA 18. 60 seats reserved for women.PPPP 124. GILANI 264 votes. National Assembly. suspended 5 July 1977. BNP-M 1. National Assembly . restored on 15 December 2007 Legal system:based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's status as an Islamic state. Federal Islamic or Sharia Court Political parties andAwami National Party or ANP [Asfandyar Wali KHAN]. and the provincial assemblies for a five-year term. Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI elected prime minister. Sindh note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region consists of two administrative entities: Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas Independence:14 August 1947 (from British India) National holiday:Republic Day.last held in March 2006 (next to be held in March 2009). National Assembly results (as of 26 June 2008) . PPP-S 2. Balochistan National . independents 17. DC during Standard Time) Administrative4 provinces. several abstentions Legislative branch:bicameral parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the Senate (100 seats. restored 30 December 1985. PML 54. UNWTO. OIC. UPU. WCO. chairman. have generated macroeconomic recovery.7% (2008 est. IFAD. Chicago. ICRM. WCL. National Alliance or NA [Ghulam Mustapha JATOI] (merged with PML). However.bolstered by generous foreign assistance and renewed access to global markets. UNMIS. Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians or PPPP [Bilawal Bhutto ZARDARI. New York. IDB. Interpol. low levels of foreign investment.leaders:Party-Hayee Group or BNP-H [Dr. IAEA.2 billion (2008 est. IPU. Jamiat Ulema-i Pakistan or JUP [Shah Faridul HAQ].most notably. ulema (clergy). ILO. WMO. since 2001. SACEP. ECO. spurred by gains in the industrial and service sectors. primarily because of rising world fuel and commodity prices. Pakistan Muslim League or PML [Chaudhry Shujaat HUSSAIN]. Poverty levels decreased by 10% since 2001. Hayee BALOCH]. the Pakistani rupee has depreciated significantly as a result of political and economic instability. G-24.) GDP . UNMIL. O. Balochistan National Party-Mengal or BNP-M [Sardar Ataullah MENGAL]. Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party or PKMAP [Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI]. and a costly. IMO. ARF. Peshawar ^Back to Top Economy Pakistan. UNOMIG. Muttahida Majlis-e Amal or MMA [Qazi Hussain AHMED]. Jamiat Ulema-i Islam Sami-ul HAQ or JUI-S [Sami ul-HAQ]. ISO. SAARC. IHO. WTO Diplomaticchief of mission: Ambassador Husain HAQQANI representation in thechancery: 3517 International Court. Box 1048. OPCW. UNCTAD. Houston. has suffered from decades of internal political disputes. Asif Ali ZARDARI. an impoverished and underdeveloped country. Unit 62200. IFRCS. DC 20008 US:telephone: [1] (202) 243-6500 FAX: [1] (202) 686-1544 consulate(s) general: Boston. OAS (observer). APO AE 09812-2200 telephone: [92] (51) 208-0000 FAX: [92] (51) 2276427 consulate(s) general: Karachi consulate(s): Lahore. National Peoples Party or NPP. IMF. landowners. Ramna 5. Pakistan Awami Tehrik or PAT [Tahir ul QADRI]. IMF-approved reforms .7% in 2007 to 20. UNMIT. Jamiat Ulema-i Islam Fazlur Rehman or JUI-F [Fazlur REHMAN]. MINURCAT. Tehrik-i Islami [Allama Sajid NAQVI] note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequently Political pressureother: military (most important political force). groups and leaders:industrialists. co-chairman]. In 2008 the fiscal deficit . G-77.a result of chronically low tax collection and increased spending . jumping from 7.per capita (PPP):$2. and Islamabad steadily raised development spending in recent years. UNAMID. IMSO. Jamaat-i Islami or JI [Qazi Hussain AHMED]. Balochistan National PartyAwami or BNP-A [Moheem Khan BALOCH]. MONUC. ITUC. A balance of payment crisis forced the Pakistani government to turn to the IMF for a conditional loan program in late November 2008. Pakistan experienced GDP growth in the 6-8% range in 2004-07. GDP (purchasing $454. UNESCO. WIPO. NAM. FAO. Sunnyvale (California) Diplomaticchief of mission: Ambassador Anne W. UNHCR.600 (2008 est. participation:IOC. IDA. WFTU. IFC.real growth rate:4. PATTERSON representation from theembassy: Diplomatic Enclave. WHO. UNIDO. ongoing confrontation with neighboring India. UNOCI. privatization of the banking sector . UN. IOM. small merchants InternationalADB.) power parity): GDP (official exchange $160.8% during 2008. Los Angeles. C (reinstated 2004). Pakistan Muslim LeagueFunctional or PML-F [Pir PAGARO]. IBRD. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Sharif or PML-N [Nawaz SHARIF].) . SCO (observer). In addition. Jamhoori Watan Party or JWP. Inflation remains the top concern among the public.) rate): GDP . Jamiat Ahle Hadith or JAH [Sajid MIR]. Washington. Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaaf or PTI [Imran KHAN]. Pakistan Peoples Party-SHERPAO or PPP-S [Aftab Ahmed Khan SHERPAO]. Muttahida Qaumi Movement or MQM [Altaf HUSSAIN]. MINURSO.9 billion (2008 est. CP.exceeded Islamabad's target of 4% of GDP. Islamabad US:mailing address: P. ITSO. PCA. ICAO. ITU. MIGA. organizationICC. 62 billion f.670 bbl/day (2007 est.) Oil .proved 792.) consumption: Natural gas .) poverty line: Household income or lowest 10%: 4% consumption by highest 10%: 26.6% (2005 est.58 million note: extensive export of labor.6% services: 53% (2008 est.4% plus substantial underemployment (2008 est.8% of GDP (2008 est.) Oil .060 bbl/day (2005) Oil .) Natural gas . China 5.600 bbl/day (2005) Oil .14 billion expenditures: $32.imports:290.) Imports .9%.) Exports . leather goods. yarn).partners:US 18%.) reserves: Current account -$10.26 billion kWh (2007 est. manufactures.23 billion (31 December 2008 est.000 bbl/day (2006 est.4%. Kuwait 4.4% sector:industry: 26.) consumption: Electricity .b. mostly to the Middle East.104 billion (31 December 2008 est.products: Industries:textiles and apparel.composition byagriculture: 20.) Unemployment rate:7. shrimp Industrial production growth rate: Electricity .exports:28.2%.4%.) Electricity 68.production:93. food processing.) balance: Exports:$20.imports:0 kWh (2007 est.) Labor force:50.38 billion f.GDP .) (consumer prices): Investment (gross 20% of GDP (2008 est. (2008 est.production:68. iron and steel.8 billion cu m (2007 est.) Natural gas 30. (2008 est. machinery.) .8% (2008 est.consumption:345. petroleum products. UK 4.2 million bbl (1 January 2008 est.09 billion (2008 est.partners:China 16.) Population below 24% (FY05/06 est. pharmaceuticals.7%.7% (2007) Imports:$35.) fixed): Budget:revenues: $22. Japan 4. edible oils.o.exports:0 kWh (2007 est. UAE 10.exports:0 cu m (2007 est.) Electricity .) Oil . paper products.3% services: 36. and use of child labor (2008 est.) Labor force . cotton cloth. Saudi Arabia 10.proved reserves:289. sports goods.external:$43. paper and paperboard.o. fertilizer. construction materials.1%. UAE 10.commodities:petroleum.imports:0 cu m (2007 est. US 5.byagriculture: 43% occupation:industry: 20.commodities:textiles (garments.) production: Natural gas 30.Gini index: Inflation rate 20.4% (2007) Reserves of foreign $9. rice.9%. transportation equipment.b.57 billion (2008 est.) Public debt:49. carpets and rugs Exports . plastics. Afghanistan 8. bed linen.6 (FY07/08) income .8 billion cu m (1 January 2008 est. tea Imports .4 billion kWh (2006 est.) exchange and gold: Debt .) Agriculture .3% (2002) percentage share: Distribution of family 30.8 billion cu m (2007 est.) Natural gas . chemicals.2%. 047 m: 19 1.163 km broad gauge: 7. 58.3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean). FM 68.879 km (includes 711 km of expressways) unpaved: 96.35 (2006). microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2008) Radio broadcast AM 31.047 m: 16 2.6295 (2007).abroad: Market value of $70.758 km paved: 162. reaching some 88 million in 2008. fiber-optic cable. . coaxial cable.398 km. Malta 2.437 m: 29 914 to 1. mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed.64 (2008 est.02 million (2008) Telephone system:general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments into fixed-line and mobile networks.524 to 2. and Europe.) investment .pk Internet hosts:197.523 m: 13 under 914 m: 24 (2007) Heliports:18 (2007) Pipelines:gas 10.264 (2008) Internet users:17.30 June ^Back to Top Communications Telephones in use:4. shortwave NA (2006) stations: Television broadcast 20 (5 state-run channels and 15 privately-owned satellite channels) (2006) stations: Internet country code:. up from only about 300.000-m gauge (2006) Roadways:total: 259.5 million (2007) ^Back to Top Transportation Airports:146 (2007) Airports (pavedtotal: 92 runways):over 3.523 m: 18 under 914 m: 10 (2007) Airports (unpavedtotal: 54 runways):2. cargo 10.076 km (2007) Railways:total: 8.438 to 3.515 (2005).879 km (2005) Merchant marine:total: 15 by type: bulk carrier 1. oil 2.31 billion (2008 est.676-m gauge (293 km electrified) narrow gauge: 445 km 1.92.000 in 2000.) investment .546 million (2008) Cellular Phones in use:88. and satellite networks international: country code .258 (2004) Fiscal year:1 July . the Middle East.). 59.047 m: 1 1.438 to 3. cellular.at home: Stock of direct foreign $1. 60.032 billion (2008 est.70. 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad).524 to 2.718 km 1.437 m: 16 914 to 1. fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth. landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEAME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia.Stock of direct foreign $25. main line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting main line service to rural areas domestic: microwave radio relay. satellite earth stations .26 billion (31 December 2007) publicly traded shares: Currency (code):Pakistani rupee (PKR) Exchange rates:Pakistani rupees (PKR) per US dollar . petroleum tanker 4 registered in other countries: 19 (Comoros 4. 60. Marshall Islands 1. Navy (includes Marines and Maritime Security Agency). soldiers cannot be deployed for obligation:combat until age of 18.057 (2008 est.633. Pakistan Air Force (Pakistan Fiza'ya) (2008) Military service age and16 years of age for voluntary military service.765 military service:females age 16-49: 40.) ^Back to Top « Previous Country | Next Country » Back to Top Countries Source: CIA .114.453. | Privacy Policy . Saint Kitts and Nevis 3) (2008) Ports and terminals:Karachi.913 military service:females age 16-49: 31.The World Factbook FLAG COUNTER Get Your FREE Flag Counter! | Country List | FAQ | Terms of Service A free service from Boardhost. Port Muhammad Bin Qasim ^Back to Top Military Military branches:Army (includes National Guard).Panama 9. the Pakistani Air Force and Pakistani Navy have inducted their first female pilots and sailors (2006) Manpower available formales age 16-49: 42.) Manpower fit formales age 16-49: 32. 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