Pakistan
Geography
Pakistan is located in South Asia and is the world's 33rd-largest country by total area. It shares borders with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China, with a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
History
The history of Pakistan traces back to the beginnings of human life in South Asia. Pakistan is home to the Indus Valley Civilization, which is amongst the oldest in the world.
Prehistoric Cultures
The earliest known inhabitants in the region were Soanian during the Lower Paleolithic, of whom stone tools have been found in the Soan Valley of Punjab.
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization, dating to 2600 BCE, was first discovered at Harappa. The civilization developed into the largest ancient civilization of the world, covering an area greater than the civilization of Egypt or Mesopotamia.
Medieval Age
The Medieval Age in Pakistan began with the conquest by the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate in the 8th century. The Islamic Golden Age witnessed the construction of the first known university, Al-Qarawiyyin, in Fes, Morocco.
Government and Politics
Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic consisting of four provinces and a federal territory. The head of state is an indirectly-elected ceremonial President. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is elected by the National Assembly.
Economy
The economy of Pakistan is the 24th-largest in the world in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), and 42nd-largest in terms of nominal gross domestic product. Pakistan has a diverse economy with sectors ranging from textiles, sugar mills, cement, and steel, to agriculture, machinery, and food processing.
Culture
The culture of Pakistan is a mix of indigenous ethnic cultures and influences from the time of the Islamic conquest. Pakistan's culture is rich and varied, with each ethnic group having its own distinct culture and way of life.
Education
Education in Pakistan is overseen by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and the provincial governments. The curriculum is usually subject to the institution, with some following the British curriculum and others following the American standards.