Flag:

Pakistan’s flag is based largely upon the flag of the All-Indian Muslim League, which led the country’s independence movement. The crescent, star, and green background represent the country’s Islamic majority. Shortly before independence in 1947, a white stripe was added to symbolize tolerance of other faiths.

Area:
796,095 sq km
(307,374 sq mi)

Highest Point:
K2
(also called Mount Godwin-Austen)
8611 m (28,250 ft)
above sea level
(located in disputed territory)

Lowest Point:
Sea level

GOVERNMENT

Form of Government:
Parliamentary republic

Head of State:
President
Elected by the legislature to a five-year term

Head of Government:
Prime minister
Appointed by the president

Legislature:
Bicameral legislature

National Assembly
342 members

Senate
100 senators

Voting Qualifications:
Universal suffrage for all citizens age 21 and older

Highest Court:
Supreme Court

Armed Services:
Army, Navy, Air Force
575,000 troops; voluntary service

Political Divisions:
4 provinces, 6 federally administered tribal areas, and the Federal Capital Territory (Islamabad)

University of Karachi, Karachi

University of the Punjab, Lahore

University of Peshawar, Peshawar

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

ECONOMY:

Agriculture
Cotton, wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane

Fishing
Sardines, shrimp, sharks, anchovies, other fish

Mining
Petroleum, limestone, rock salt, gypsum, silica sand, natural gas, coal

Manufacturing
Textiles, food products, petroleum products, consumer goods

Major Exports
Clothing, cotton yarn and thread, cotton fabrics, raw cotton, rice, carpets and rugs, leather products

Major Imports
Machinery, electrical goods, petroleum products, transportation equipment, iron and steel and iron and steel manufactures

Major Trading Partners
Japan, United States, Germany, Great Britain, Saudi Arabia, France, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia