Pakistan

The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with two sections West and East) 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.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 164,741,924 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Pakistani(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Pakistani

Official Language(s): Urdu, English

Major Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Kirghiz, Pashtu, Punjabi, Pushtu, Sindhi, Urdu

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Country Name (short form): Pakistan

Country Name (local long form): Jamhuryat Islami Pakistan

Country Name (local short form): Pakistan

Name of Capital: Islamabad

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Pakistan: Iran, Afghanistan, China, India

Land Area: 778720 sq km

Water Area: 25220 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly less than twice the size of California

Total Land Boundry: 6,774 km

Coastline: 1,046 km

National Holiday: Republic Day, 23 March (1956)

International Phone Code: 92

Currency Code: Pakistani rupee (PKR)

Internet Country Code: .pk

US Embassy Location: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 62200, APO AE 09812-2200