Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the fifth-most populous country with a population of over 241.5 million, having the second-largest Muslim population in the world as of 2023. Islamabad is the nation's capital, while Karachi is its largest city and financial center. Pakistan is the 33rd-largest country by area, the 9th largest in Asia, and the second-largest in South Asia. Pakistan's diverse geography and climate host a wide array of wildlife. Covering 881,913 km2 (340,509 sq mi), Pakistan's size is comparable to France and the UK combined. It ranks as the 33rd-largest nation by total area, but this varies based on Kashmir's disputed status. Pakistan boasts a 1,046 km (650 mi) coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, and shares land borders totaling 6,774 km (4,209 mi), including 2,430 km (1,510 mi) with Afghanistan, 523 km (325 mi) with China, 2,912 km (1,809 mi) with India, and 909 km (565 mi) with Iran. **Here are some interesting facts about Pakistan:** * Pakistan is a land of high mountains, including K2, the world's second-tallest peak after Mount Everest. The Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges dominate the north. * The Indus River, which flows from the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea, is the country's lifeblood. It provides water for irrigation and transportation. * Pakistan is a culturally rich country with a long history. The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's oldest civilizations, flourished in what is now Pakistan from 3300 to 1300 BCE. * Islam is the state religion of Pakistan, and Muslims make up about 96% of the population. However, Pakistan is a diverse country with many different ethnic groups and religions. * Cricket is the most popular sport in Pakistan. The national cricket team has won the Cricket World Cup twice, in 1992 and 2009. Pakistan faces several challenges, including poverty, terrorism, and political instability. However, it is also a country with a rich history and culture, and its people are known for their hospitality and resilience.