Geography and Culture

Geography and Culture

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north Flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west

Climate: Mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north

Islamabad 2 million people live here

Population is 181 million, more than half of the United States. 2 nd Largest Muslim country in the world, behind Indonesia. 43% of the population is under 15. U.S. 20% under 15. Median Age: 19

95% Muslim (75% Sunni; 20% Shiite) Punjabi 44%, Pashtu 15% (mostly in West, near Afghanistan (Tribal reserve, Swat Valley, Taliban), Balance made up of various smaller ethnic groups.

GDP: $2600 ($U.S.: 46000) Life Expectancy: 65 years Below poverty: 24% Unemployment: 15% Literacy rate: 50% (63% male, 36% females)

Although the majority of Pakistanis live in cities or established areas, there are some that live in the tribal region as well The area is in the Northwestern part of the country that boarders Afghanistan The territory is almost exclusively inhabited by the Pashtuns, who also live in neighboring province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan and are largely Muslims. 3,341,070 people, or roughly 2% of Pakistan's population. 34% managed to rise about the poverty line Per capita income $663

Water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification

Inflation rate 14%, National debt 50% of GDP Growth 4.8%, largely because of U.S. aid Underdeveloped, huge inflation rate, dependent on foreign aid. In 2008 U.S. gave them 12 billion in aid about ½ their budget.

Name Apricot Buffalo Milk Chickpea Cotton, lint Cotton, Seed Dates Mango Onion, dry Oranges Rice, paddy Sugarcane Tangerines Wheat Global rank 3rd 2nd 3rd 4th 3rd 5th 6th 4th 11th 11th 5th 9th 10th

Pakistan is an ideological Islamic state. Its very existence is due to Islam. So Pakistani culture is primarily based on the Islamic way of life.

Dress is an important part of culture. Nudity is prohibited in Islam. People therefore wear simple and grateful dress. Women wear burqas or hijabs

The Pakistani cuisines are rich in oil and chilies. Pakistani dishes must include meat, chicken and beef, though pork is totally forbidden as per Islamic teachings. Although eating habits differ from regions to region, the mainstay of the Pakistani diet is "chapatti or roti" made from flour. "Lassi" ( Butter Milk) a usual drink made like a milkshake in a homemade utensil from curd/yogurt and water is usually taken at lunch time, especially during the summers as it beats the effects of hard weather. It is usually customary to eat a dessert after the dinner, which mainly comprises "Kheer" (made from rice and milk) and sweetened rice "Zarda". Rice though scarcely eaten in many parts, pullaâ o (lightly fried rice with vegetables) and biryani (rice with meat or vegetables and spices) are the two very favorite dishes of rice, especially in marriages. "Mithai" a kind of sweet made of corn flour, sugar and milk is the favorite sweet for all ages.

Many games are played in Pakistan which reflects cultural identity. Wrestling, Hockey, Cricket, Basketball, Kabaddi and Squash are some of the games played all over the country.

Language is one of the basic factor in culture. The regional languages of Pakistan are Sindhi, Punjabi, Baluchi, Pushto, Saraiki, Brahvi, Gojri and Hindku are the product of the same cultural background which brought Urdu into existence and later Urdu was adopted as a national language and chief vehicle of cultural and National Society.

Allowed up to 4 wives Can be arranged Have to pay a bride dowry 12% on annual income Dating is frowned upon

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting for the Islamic people. Each day during this month, Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, as well as participating in anything that is ill-natured or excessive; from dawn until the sun sets. Fasting is intended to educate the Muslim in spirituality, humility and patience.

On 14 August, the people of Pakistan celebrate the day when Pakistan gained its independence from British India, and formed an independent state for Muslims. There are many celebrations all over the country, with people singing and dancing in the streets. Concerts are held with many pop and classical singers. Parades are held in Islamabad. Many people decorate their houses and fly the flag of Pakistan. At night, fireworks are used in many cities. Many people pray for the country and reflect on their pride in the country of Pakistan.