The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan and largely Hindu India was never completely resolved. In 1971, East Pakistan seceded to become Bangladesh and a dispute with India over the state of Kashmir is ongoing.
Pakistan’s economy has been severely affected by population growth, corruption, lack of water and land, the effects of the Afghanistan wars and the costly dispute with India.
Pakistan is an Islamic republic and the pervading legal, political and social structures are strongly influenced and informed by Islamic traditions and beliefs.
Country Facts
- Region: South Asia
- Capital: Islamabad
- Population: 195.1 million
- Area: 796,095 km2
- Religions: Muslim 99% (predominantly Sunni, with Shia minority)
- Languages: Urdu and English (official), Punjabi, Sindhi and other regional languages
