Geography and Demographics of Pakistan

### Geography and Demographics of Pakistan:
#### Geography:
1. **Location and Borders**:

- Pakistan is located in South Asia and shares borders with India to the east, Afghanistan to
the northwest, Iran to the southwest, and China to the north. It also has a coastline along the
Arabian Sea to the south.
- The total land area is approximately 881,913 square kilometers, making it the 33rd-largest
country in the world.
2. **Topography**:
- **Mountains**: The northern and western regions are mountainous, including the
Himalayas and the Karakoram Range. K2, the world's second-highest peak, is located in the
Karakoram.
- **Plains**: The fertile plains of the Punjab and Sindh provinces are part of the Indus
River basin, which is crucial for agriculture.
- **Deserts**: The Thar Desert in the southeast and the Cholistan Desert are arid regions
with sparse vegetation.
- **Plateaus**: The Balochistan Plateau and the Pothohar Plateau in the north-central
region are significant geographical features.
3. **Climate**:
- Pakistan has a diverse climate, ranging from arid and semi-arid in the south and west to
temperate in the north and along the coastline.
- The country experiences four distinct seasons: a cool, dry winter (December-February); a
hot, dry spring (March-May); the summer monsoon season (June-September); and a
retreating monsoon period (October-November).
4. **Rivers and Water Bodies**:

- The Indus River is the lifeline of Pakistan, running through the length of the country and
providing water for agriculture, drinking, and hydroelectric power.
- Major tributaries of the Indus include the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers.
#### Demographics:
1. **Population**:
- Pakistan is the fifth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 230
million people.
- The population growth rate is relatively high, contributing to challenges in education,
healthcare, and employment.
2. **Ethnic Groups**:
- The major ethnic groups include Punjabis (approximately 44%), Pashtuns (15%), Sindhis
(14%), Saraikis (8%), Muhajirs (7%), and Baloch (4%).
- There are also smaller ethnic communities, including Hazaras, Brahuis, and various tribal
groups in the northern and western regions.
3. **Languages**:
- Urdu is the national language and is widely understood and used for official and
educational purposes.
- English is the official language and is used in government, legal affairs, and business.
- Regional languages include Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Saraiki, and others,
reflecting the country's ethnic diversity.
4. **Religion**:
- Islam is the state religion, with over 95% of the population being Muslim (majority Sunni,
with a significant Shia minority).
- Minority religions include Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism, each constituting a small
percentage of the population.
5. **Urbanization**:
- Pakistan has a significant urban population, with major cities including Karachi (the
largest city and economic hub), Lahore (the cultural and historical center), Islamabad (the
capital), Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar.
- Urbanization is increasing, driven by migration from rural areas to cities in search of
better economic opportunities.
6. **Education and Literacy**:

- The literacy rate is improving but still faces challenges, particularly in rural areas and
among women.
- The government and various organizations are working to improve educational access and
quality.
7. **Health and Life Expectancy**:

- Health indicators are gradually improving, with increased access to healthcare services,
though disparities remain between urban and rural areas.
- The average life expectancy is around 67 years, with efforts ongoing to address public
health issues such as malnutrition, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases.
Understanding Pakistan's geography and demographics is crucial for addressing its

developmental challenges and leveraging its diverse cultural and natural resources for
sustainable growth.

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### Geography and Demographics of Pakistan:

1. Location and Borders:

4. Rivers and Water Bodies:

6. Education and Literacy:

7. Health and Life Expectancy:

Understanding Pakistan's geography and demographics is crucial for addressing its

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