Pakistan, formally the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. In July 2016, it was the sixth most populous country in the world, with a population of about 193 million. According to the World Bank’s 2021 estimate, the country had climbed to fifth place with 225 million inhabitants. From 1858 onward, the territory of present-day Pakistan was part of British India, and in 1947 the nation gained independence. The majority of the population is Muslim, which is reflected in the country’s official name.
But you probably learned all of that in school — so instead, let’s dive into ten more interesting and unexpected facts about the country!
1 East Pakistan became Bangladesh…
Pakistan originally consisted of two separate regions — East and West Pakistan — created during the partition of India at the end of British rule in 1947. After a brutal conflict, East Pakistan eventually broke away and became Bangladesh in 1971. [source]
2 The largest mass migration in human history…
The partition of India and Pakistan resulted in the largest mass migration in human history — around 10 million people. As many as one million civilians were killed in the riots and widespread violence that followed during the civil conflict. [source]
3 How Pakistan got its name…
A independence activist coined the country’s name in 1933. Pakistan literally translates to “Land of the Spiritually Clean and Pure“. But it was also intended as an acronym, representing Punjab, Afghania (the North-West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Sindh, and Balochistan. [source]
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4 And what its flag means…
Pakistan’s flag features a green field with a white crescent, a star, and a vertical white stripe on the left. The colors, crescent, and star are widely recognized as Islamic symbols, but the colors also represent prosperity and peace. The crescent symbolizes progress, while the star represents knowledge and light. [source]
5 Here you’ll find the world’s second-highest mountain…
Pakistan is well known for its towering mountains. It is home to K2 (also known as Mount Godwin-Austen), the second-highest mountain in the world, standing at an impressive 8,611 meters. In fact, the Karakoram range contains the largest concentration of high peaks on Earth — with an average mountain height of around 6,100 meters. [source]
6 The first female prime minister of an Islamic country…
In 1989, Benazir Bhutto became the first woman ever elected to lead an Islamic nation when she became prime minister of Pakistan. She was later assassinated by Pakistani Taliban militants in 2007. [source]
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7 A Pakistani girl won the Nobel Peace Prize at just 17…
Pakistan has had two Nobel laureates. Abdus Salam won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1979, and Malala Yousafzai received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. She was only 17 years old, making her the youngest Nobel laureate in history. [source]
8 Pakistan produces 40% of all the world’s footballs…
The city of Sialkot in Pakistan manufactures around 40% of all footballs produced globally. The industry dates back to 1889, when a British colonial sergeant didn’t want to wait for new footballs to arrive by sea. Instead, he asked a local saddle maker to repair his punctured ball.
He was so impressed with the result that he ordered a larger batch — and from that moment on, Pakistan became a world leader in football production. [source]
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9 You can withdraw money here — at almost 5,000 meters above sea level…
The world’s highest ATM is located at the Khunjerab Pass on the border between Pakistan and China, sitting at an elevation of 4,693 meters. It is specially engineered to withstand temperatures as low as –40°C. [source]
10 A mountainous region that has led to multiple wars…
The mountainous region of Kashmir, a Muslim-majority area in the northernmost part of India, is claimed by both Pakistan and India. The dispute has been ongoing since 1947 and has resulted in decades of violence, including full-scale wars in 1947, 1965, and most recently 1971 between the two countries. [source]
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Xtra Speaking of war and conflict…
Pakistan is one of only nine countries in the world that possess nuclear weapons. The other nuclear-armed states are the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, North Korea, India, and Israel. Pakistan is also the only nuclear-armed nation with a Muslim-majority population. [source]
5 Common Questions About Pakistan
Safety in Pakistan varies greatly by region. Popular destinations like Islamabad, Lahore, and the northern mountain areas are generally considered safe for tourists, especially when traveling with guides or groups. However, travelers should stay updated on current advisories, avoid border regions, and follow local guidance. Normal precautions regarding petty crime also apply.
Pakistan is known for its dramatic mountain ranges (including K2), rich cultural heritage, Mughal-era architecture, vibrant cities like Lahore and Karachi, and its significant contributions to art, literature, and cuisine. It’s also recognized for its long history, from ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley to modern geopolitical importance.
The national language is Urdu, while English serves as an official language widely used in government, business, and education. Many regional languages are spoken as well, such as Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, and Balochi, making Pakistan a highly multilingual society.
Most travelers do need a visa, but Pakistan offers an e-visa system for many nationalities, making the process easier. Requirements depend on your nationality, length of stay, and purpose of travel. Always check the most updated information before planning your trip.
It depends on where you’re going. For the northern mountains, the best time is May to October, when roads are open and trekking routes are accessible. For major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, the ideal months are October to March, when temperatures are milder.
