Geography
- Full country name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
- Population: 184.7 million (United Nations, 2010).
- Border countries: Afghanistan, India, Iran and China.
- Climate: can vary between regions. Generally there are three main seasons: October to February - cool; March to June - hot; and July to September - monsoon. The days can be very hot and the nights extremely cold.
- Terrain: although the main cities are well-connected with modern services, many areas are remote and mountainous with correspondingly lower population densities.
- Natural hazards: earth tremors and earthquakes, occasionally severe. Mountainous regions also regularly experience floods and landslides. In July and August 2010, severe floods hit many parts of Pakistan causing widespread damage and destruction, particularly to the provinces of Punjab and Sind.
Living in Pakistan
- Cost of living: significantly cheaper than in the UK. Standards vary with accommodation and restaurants to suit all budgets.
- Utilities: utilities are available in major cities but may be limited or unavailable in the more remote areas.
- Internet domain: .pk
- Health: seek medical advice before travelling as a range of vaccinations is required. Malaria exists in coastal and low-lying areas and dengue fever exists throughout Pakistan. Drinking tap water should be avoided. Outside large cities there are few hospitals comparable to UK standards.
- Laws and customs: dress is expected to be modest. Men and women should cover their shoulders and legs in public. When visiting a mosque or other holy place or visiting rural areas, women should cover their heads. The penalties for possession or use of drugs are strictly enforced with the possibility of long jail sentences and hefty fines. Drug smuggling may result in the death penalty. Importing alcohol or pork products is illegal. Homosexuality and cohabiting outside marriage are also illegal.
Economy and finance
- Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR).
- Type of economy: mixed economy.
- Health of economy: the economy has suffered from the recent political instability and the floods of 2010. Exports continue to do well, although inflation remains a concern. For a detailed annual overview of the economy see Ministry of Finance - Pakistan
.
- Unemployment rate: 15% (The World Factbook, 2011).
- Main exports: textile products, rice, cotton, leather goods.
Culture
- People: Punjabi, Sindhi, Siraiki, Pashtu, Urdu, Balochi, Hindko, Brahui.
- Major religion: Islam.
- History: see BBC Timeline: Pakistan
.
Politics
- Type of government: Federal Republic.
- Major political parties: Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Muslim League - Quaid-i-Azam (PML-Q), Awami National Party (ANP), Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam - Fazlur Rehman (JUI-F), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). Pakistan has a multi-party system where parties must work together to form coalition governments.
Travel advice
Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
website.
