PAKISTAN ON THE MAP

Now if I have to map out Pakistan for you on a global scale – I don’t think you should be reading this blog! Only kidding – it is a not so tiny country in South Asia. It is certainly over populated and much of that population is malnourished. In the south, Pakistan has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. It is bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the Southwest and China at the tip of the the northeast.

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The area that is now called Pakistan was previously ruled by various ancient cultures and by people of many faiths. It wasn’t until much recently that Pakistan has become its own country. In 1947, only 69 years ago, Muhammad Ali Jinnah negotiated the independence of Pakistan – a nation for Muslims from the east of the subcontinent. My grandfather was 8 years old when his family packed their bags and crossed the new boarder. Initially Pakistan, India and Bangladesh were one country, known as, Hindustan, which was under British rule. When the Brits left, Hindustan was mainly divided into Pakistan and India. After a civil war in 1971, East Pakistan was separated, which is now the nation of Bangladesh.

Pakistan is a parliamentary republic, consisting of four provinces. Now you’re think what in the name of God is a province? – it’s a state, not so much like the 50 states in America, but a similar concept. Each province has a distinct cultural diversity; just like how California is known for its hippie like liberality, Chicago for their deep dish pizza and New York for their fast paced propriety.

Fun Facts:

1. Pakistan has the sixth largest population in the world, exceeded only by China, India, America, Indonesia and Brazil.
2. Men have a higher ratio than women in almost every age category – YES! Men dominate women in many things, but it’s not because they are more in number, it is mainly because culturally that is the expected norm.
3. A baby is born in Pakistan every seven seconds.
4. Estimated population of people 65years and over = 4.1% – clearly we don’t have social security or great health care.
5. Official name: ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN – I didn’t even know that till I actually read bits and pieces of the Pakistani Constitution
6. The Pakistani Constitution has been suspended and restored with amendments about 5 times since Pakistan has gained its independence.
7. In 2013 Pakistan set a world record for the most saplings planted in a day; an impressive 750,000 mangrove tree saplings.
8. Pakistan is the world’s second-largest producer of chickpeas, right behind India – Oh! Do we like our chickpeas (daal)
9. Pakistani independence was gained on the midnight of August 14 – 15; that was when Hindustan was separated, which is why Pakistan celebrates independence on the 14^th of August and India celebrates impendence on the 15^th of August.
10. The name Pakistan means ‘land of the pure’ in the Persian language and Urdu language.