Overview
Pakistan, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia. It stands as the fifth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 241.5 million people, and it is home to the second-largest Muslim population globally as of 2023.
Geography and Borders
Pakistan is the 33rd-largest country in the world by area. It occupies a strategically significant position, bounded by the Arabian Sea to the south, the Gulf of Oman to the southwest, and the Sir Creek to the southeast. The country shares land borders with several nations, giving it a diverse set of neighboring relationships across South and Central Asia.
- India lies to the east
- Afghanistan borders it to the west
- Iran is situated to the southwest
- China lies to the northeast
In addition to its land borders, Pakistan shares a maritime border with Oman across the Gulf of Oman. Notably, Pakistan is separated from Tajikistan in the northwest by Afghanistan's narrow Wakhan Corridor, a slender strip of territory that prevents the two countries from sharing a direct border.
Major Cities
Islamabad serves as the nation's capital, functioning as the administrative and political center of the country. Karachi, meanwhile, is Pakistan's largest city and its primary financial centre, playing a crucial role in the nation's economy and commerce.