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Pakistan
Even
before the Iranian revolution and the Afghan
and Iran-Iraq wars throttled Asian overland
travel, Pakistan tended to be seen as simply
the last hurdle before reaching India. Few
Westerners know much about Pakistan beyond
media impressions of guns and drugs, communal
violence and martial law, but it contains
some of Asia's most mind-blowing landscapes,
extraordinary trekking, a multitude of cultures
and a long tradition of hospitality. It's
the site of some of the earliest human settlements,
home to an ancient civilisation rivalling
those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, and the crucible
of two of the world's major religions, Hinduism
and Buddhism.
Full
country name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Area: 803,940 sq km (310,300 sq mi)
Population: 144.6 million
Capital city: Islamabad (pop. approx.
350,000)
People: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtu, Baloch,
Muhajir
Language: Urdu (official), Punjabi,
Sindhi, Pashtu, English
Religion: 97% Muslim, 3% Christian
and Hindu
Government: Federal Republic
President & Chief Executive: Gen.
Pervez Musharraf
GDP:
US$282 billion
GDP per head: US$2000
Annual growth: 5%
Inflation: 5.2%
Major industries: Textiles, sugar,
vegetable oils, agricultural products, cement,
fertilisers, steel, chemicals, sporting goods,
carpets
Major trading partners: US, Japan,
Germany, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
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on this web site as accurate as possible, we accept no responsibility
for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting
from information published on this site. We encourage you to verify any
critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.
This includes information on visa requirements, health and safety, customs,
and transportation. |
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