Pakistan
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 241
Currency
💱 Pakistani rupee
Languages
🗣️ English, Urdu
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Pakistan, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, offers an unforgettable journey for every traveler. It is best known for its majestic mountain ranges, including the mighty Himalayas and Karakoram, which attract adventurers and trekkers from around the globe. Visitors can explore ancient civilizations in cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila, or wander through vibrant bazaars brimming with handicrafts and spices. From the lush green valleys of Swat and Hunza to the serene beaches of the Makran coast, Pakistan presents a diverse tapestry of landscapes. First-time visitors can expect warm hospitality, a profound history, and an immersive cultural experience that engages all senses. Prepare to be captivated by ancient forts, Sufi shrines, and the enduring spirit of its people.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Pakistani
Independence
August 14, 1947
Top-Level Domain
.pk
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+92
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+05:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Islamabad
ISO Alpha-2
PK
ISO Alpha-3
PAK
UN Code
586
Geographic Coordinates
30,70
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
881,912#35 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
241,499,431#5 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
321.07
Highest Point (m)
8,611 meters (K2)
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level (Indian Ocean)
Land Use
Primarily agricultural land.
Irrigated Land
Extensive irrigation systems are used.
Coastline Length
1,046 kilometers
Climate
Varies; arid to subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters.
Natural Resources
Arable land, cotton, fish, natural gas, petroleum, salt, and others.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Afghanistan, China, India, Iran
Major Rivers
Indus River and its tributaries.
Major Lakes
Manchar Lake and other smaller lakes.
Government Type
Federal parliamentary republic
Administrative Divisions
Provinces, territories, and federal capital territory.
Legal System
Based on English common law with Islamic law influences.
Chief of State
President Arif Alvi
Head of Government
Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections are held for the National Assembly.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, Federal Shariat Court, High Courts, and other courts.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament (Majlis-e-Shura) consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly.
Major Political Parties
Pakistan Muslim League-N, Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and others.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Pakistani rupee
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
407.31#41 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,677.66#26 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,595.91#179 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
23.02
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
20.06
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
50.93
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.55#80 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
85,158,214
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
5.42#86 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2000)Checked September 29, 2026
55.03
Budget
The Pakistani budget includes allocations for various sectors, including defense, education, and infrastructure.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
40.67#71 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
70.09#57 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Approximately $8 billion (2023 estimate).
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates fluctuate; check with banks or online converters for up-to-date information.
GDP by Sector
Agriculture, industry, and services are the major sectors.
Major Industries
Textiles, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cement.
Major Export Partners
European Union, United States, China.
Major Import Partners
China, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2021)Checked September 29, 2026
58.86#153 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
27.4
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.4
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -0.5 migrants per 1,000 population.
Median Age
Approximately 23 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
39.53#172 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 2.8% annual rate of change.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
67.8#167 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 0.1% of the adult population is infected.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
2.52
Ethnic Groups
Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun, Baloch, and others.
Religions
Islam is the dominant religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Urdu
Education
Education System
The education system in Pakistan includes primary, secondary, and higher education, with a mix of public and private institutions.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
8.3
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education in Pakistan is around 2.2% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Engineering and Technology (Lahore), the University of Karachi, and Quaid-i-Azam University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Pakistan's culture is a rich blend of traditions, influenced by various civilizations, including the Indus Valley, Persian, and Mughal empires, with strong Islamic influences.
National Holidays
National holidays include Pakistan Day (March 23), Independence Day (August 14), and Defence Day (September 6), along with religious holidays.
Popular Music
Popular music includes genres such as Qawwali, Sufi rock, pop, and classical music.
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes dishes like Biryani, Karahi, Nihari, and various types of kebabs, often served with naan bread.
Sports
Popular sports are cricket, hockey, and squash.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and the Urs festivals.
Famous People
Famous people include Malala Yousafzai, Imran Khan, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Cultural heritage sites include the Lahore Fort, Mohenjo-daro, and Taxila.
UNESCO Sites
Pakistan has several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including archaeological ruins and historical monuments.
Annual Tourist Visits
Fluctuating, but generally a few million tourists annually before the pandemic.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is developing, with potential for growth; cultural and historical sites are key.
Top Tourist Attractions
Historical sites (Mohenjo-daro, Harappa), mountain ranges (Karakoram), and cultural landmarks (Badshahi Mosque).
Famous Cities
Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta.
National Parks
Several national parks, including: Khunjerab National Park, and others protecting diverse ecosystems.
Protected Areas
Numerous protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserves.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Pakistan largely depends on your chosen activities and regions. For exploring the northern mountainous areas and undertaking treks, the spring months of April to June and the autumn months of September to October offer pleasant weather with clear skies. Cities like Lahore and Islamabad are enjoyable to visit year-round, though the cooler months from October to March are particularly comfortable. For beach lovers, the winter months from November to February are perfect for enjoying the coastal regions. Festival enthusiasts might aim for events like Basant (kite flying festival, usually in late February/early March, though dates can vary and some regions may have restrictions) or religious festivals, which follow lunar calendars and offer unique cultural insights. Summer (July-August) can be very hot in the plains but is suitable for high-altitude trekking.
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary by nationality; e-Visas are available for some countries.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for Pakistan vary significantly depending on your nationality and purpose of visit. Many nationalities can apply for a tourist visa through Pakistani embassies or consulates in their home country. For some nationalities, online visa applications or visa-on-arrival facilities may be available, though these are subject to specific conditions. It is crucial to check the official website of the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant embassy for the most current and accurate information pertaining to your specific country of origin. Processing times can vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Travel Advisory
Travel advisories exist due to security concerns in certain regions; check your country's travel advisory.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index varies by region.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and location.
Number of Hospitals
There are numerous hospitals across Pakistan.
Universal Healthcare
Pakistan's healthcare system is primarily public but faces challenges in providing universal access and quality care.
Medical Services Overview
Healthcare services are available in both public and private sectors.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in major cities.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
Emergency number for police is 15.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
Emergency number for ambulance is 1122.
Emergency Number (Fire)
Emergency number for fire is 1122.
Crime Rate
The crime rate index varies across different regions of Pakistan.
Safety Index
The safety index varies across different regions of Pakistan.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure is a significant portion of Pakistan's GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are provided by the police, rescue services (1122), and fire departments.
Safety Overview
Pakistan is generally safe for tourists who exercise standard precautions. While some areas may require more awareness, popular tourist routes and cities are well-traversed. Be mindful of common petty scams like inflated prices for goods or services; always negotiate politely. It's advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, to show respect for local customs. Stick to well-established tourist areas and transport. Avoid traveling alone at night in unfamiliar locations. Keeping informed about the local situation through your accommodation or local contacts is a practical step. Sharing your itinerary with someone back home is also recommended.
Military Branches
Military branches include the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is available to a large portion of the population, but faces challenges in rural areas.
Water Access
Access to clean water is available for much of the population, but quality varies across regions.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is improving, but significant challenges remain.
Railways
Pakistan Railways operates a network of railways connecting major cities.
Roadways
Pakistan has a network of national highways, motorways, and provincial roads.
Transportation System
Pakistan's transportation system includes road, rail, air, and sea transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE), Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW), Faisalabad International Airport (LYP), Islamabad International Airport (ISB), Jinnah International Airport (KHI), Multan International Airport (MUX)
Ports
Major ports include the Port of Karachi and Port Qasim.
Public Transit
Public transit varies by city, with buses, rickshaws, and other forms of transportation.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
57.25#154 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Approximately 76 per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in fintech and e-commerce.
Innovation Index
Relatively low ranking in global innovation indices.
ICT Development Index
Moderate ICT development index score.
TV Broadcast Stations
Numerous TV channels, including state-owned and private stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
A significant number of radio stations, encompassing public and private broadcasters.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type D and Type G, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.81#146 of 202
Air Quality Index
Very poor air quality, especially in urban areas; frequent smog.
Water Pollution Level
High levels of water pollution from industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing renewable energy sector, with increasing investment in solar, wind, and hydropower.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, air and water pollution, soil erosion, and desertification.
Natural Hazards
Floods, earthquakes, droughts, and landslides.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management infrastructure; significant issues with solid waste disposal and recycling.
Environmental Agreements
Part of various international environmental agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains numerous diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth
Major Treaties
Part of various major international treaties related to trade, human rights, and environment.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel to a limited number of countries.