# Gasherbrum

> mountain in Asia

**Wikidata**: [Q187138](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q187138)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasherbrum_I)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gasherbrum

## Summary
Gasherbrum is a mountain in Asia, specifically located in Pakistan. It is part of the Karakoram mountain range and is known for its significant elevation and geological importance. The mountain is notable for its role in the broader context of the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain systems.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Pakistan (sovereign state in South Asia)
- **Inception**: August 14, 1947 (Pakistan's independence date)
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 30°, Longitude 71° (Pakistan's approximate center)
- **Highest Point**: K2 (28,251 feet) (Pakistan's highest elevation)
- **Lowest Point**: Arabian Sea (0 meters) (Pakistan's coastal boundary)
- **Official Languages**: Urdu (national language) and English
- **National Motto**: "Iman, Ittihad, Nazm" (Faith, Unity, Discipline)
- **Currency**: Pakistani rupee (introduced March 1, 1949)
- **Timezone**: UTC+05:00 (Asia/Karachi)
- **Driving Side**: Left-hand traffic
- **Emergency Numbers**: 15 (Police), 16 (Fire), 1122 (Medical)
- **International Calling Code**: +92
- **Internet TLD**: .pk
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: PK, Alpha-3: PAK, Numeric: 586
- **Head of State**: President Asif Ali Zardari (since 2024)
- **Head of Government**: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (since April 11, 2022)
- **Religion**: Islam is the official religion; major minorities include Christianity and Hinduism
- **Major Ethnic Groups**: Punjabis (44.7%), Pashtuns (15.4%), Sindhis (14.1%), Saraiki (8.4%), Muhajir (7.6%), Baloch (3.6%)
- **Literacy Rate**: 58% (2019 preferred value)
- **Life Expectancy**: 66 years (2022)
- **GDP (Nominal)**: $376.5 billion (2022)
- **Gini Coefficient**: 29.6 (2018)
- **Unemployment Rate**: 5% (2014)
- **VAT Rate**: 18%
- **Electricity**: 230V, 50Hz; Plug types include Europlug, BS 1363, BS 546, and British types
- **Member of**: United Nations (since September 30, 1947), Commonwealth of Nations (1947–1972, rejoined 1989), WTO, OIC, SCO, and others
- **Bordering Countries**: Afghanistan (north), India (east/southeast), China (northeast), Iran (west)
- **Administrative Divisions**: Includes Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir

## FAQs
**What is the political structure and leadership of Pakistan?**
Pakistan operates as a federal parliamentary republic where the President serves as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The legislative body is the Parliament of Pakistan, and the highest judicial authority is the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Current leadership includes President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

**How large is Pakistan's population and what are its demographic characteristics?**
As of 2021, the population is estimated at over 223 million, making it one of the most populous nations globally. The society is diverse, with Punjabis forming the largest ethnic group, followed by Pashtuns and Sindhis, and the majority of the population adhering to Islam. The country has a literacy rate of approximately 58% and a life expectancy of 66 years.

**What is Pakistan's economic status and currency?**
The economy is a mixed system with a nominal GDP of approximately $376.5 billion as of 2022. The official currency is the Pakistani rupee, which has been in use since 1949. Key economic indicators include a VAT rate of 18%, an unemployment rate of 5% (as of 2014), and a Gini coefficient of 29.6 indicating income distribution.

**Which international organizations does Pakistan belong to?**
Pakistan is a member of numerous global and regional bodies, including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. It also participates in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Asian Development Bank, and the Commonwealth of Nations, having rejoined the latter in 1989 after a withdrawal in 1972.

**What are the geographical boundaries and physical features of Pakistan?**
Located in South Asia, Pakistan covers an area of 881,913 square kilometres and shares borders with Afghanistan, India, China, and Iran. The terrain ranges from the high peaks of K2 in the north to the coastal plains of the Arabian Sea in the south. The country's coordinates are centered around latitude 30° and longitude 71°.

## Why It Matters
Pakistan holds significant geopolitical importance as a nuclear-armed state situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Its strategic location influences regional stability, particularly regarding the Kashmir conflict and relations with neighboring India and Afghanistan. As one of the world's most populous countries, Pakistan plays a critical role in global demographics, migration patterns, and the Islamic world. Economically, it serves as a major market and a key player in the global textile industry, while its participation in international forums like the UN and OIC allows it to shape discourse on development, security, and human rights. The country's internal stability and democratic transitions have far-reaching implications for global counter-terrorism efforts and regional trade corridors like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

## Notable For
- **Nuclear Capability**: Classified as a state with nuclear weapons.
- **Geographic Extremes**: Home to K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.
- **Demographic Scale**: One of the most populous nations, with a population exceeding 223 million.
- **Cultural Diversity**: Hosts a wide array of ethnic groups including Punjabis, Pashtuns, Sindhis, and Baloch, each with distinct languages and traditions.
- **Historical Significance**: Emerged from the partition of British India in 1947, succeeding the Dominion of Pakistan.
- **Policy Innovations**: A founding member of Interpol and an active participant in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
- **Religious Demographics**: An official Islamic Republic with a majority Muslim population and recognized minorities.
- **Strategic Alliances**: Maintains diplomatic relations with over 50 nations, including major powers like China, the US, and the UK.
- **Educational Challenges**: Faces a significant number of out-of-school children, estimated at over 20 million in 2015.
- **Linguistic Richness**: Recognizes numerous languages including Urdu, English, Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, and Balochi.

## Body

### History and Independence
Pakistan's modern history began on August 14, 1947, when it gained independence from British rule, succeeding the Dominion of Pakistan and the British Raj. The territory was previously part of the presidencies and provinces of British India. The name "Pakistan" is derived from a combination of regions including Punjab, Afghania (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Kashmir, Sindh, and Balochistan. The country's official name, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, reflects its identity as a state founded on Islamic principles. Historical records indicate that the nation replaced the Dominion of Pakistan, which itself was a transitional entity following the partition.

### Geography and Environment
The country spans 881,913 square kilometres in South Asia, with coordinates centered at latitude 30° and longitude 71°. Its northernmost point is at latitude 37.1, while the southernmost point reaches 23.7104884. The easternmost point is located at longitude 75.3815207, and the westernmost at 60.8848891. The highest elevation is K2 at 28,251 feet, while the lowest point is the Arabian Sea at sea level. The landscape includes the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges in the north, transitioning to the Indus River plain and the Thar Desert in the east and south. The climate varies from tropical in the south to alpine in the north.

### Government and Politics
Pakistan functions as a federal parliamentary republic with a bicameral legislature known as the Parliament of Pakistan. The executive branch is led by the Prime Minister, currently Shehbaz Sharif, who assumed office on April 11, 2022. The head of state is the President, currently Asif Ali Zardari, who took office in 2024. Previous heads of state include Arif Alvi (2018–2024) and Mamnoon Hussain (2013–2018). The judicial system is headed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, with additional high courts in provinces and special courts for Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The country's political system has seen various transitions, including periods of military rule and democratic governance.

### Demographics and Society
The population of Pakistan has grown significantly, reaching 223,773,700 in 2021. The demographic composition is diverse, with Punjabis making up 44.7% of the population, followed by Pashtuns (15.4%), Sindhis (14.1%), and Saraiki (8.4%). The official languages are Urdu and English, though regional languages like Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, and Balochi are widely spoken. The literacy rate stands at 58% as of 2019, with a significant number of children out of school. Life expectancy is 66 years, and the birth rate was 27.233 per 1,000 people in 2022. The society is predominantly Muslim, with Islam as the state religion, though Christians and Hindus form significant minorities.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy is characterized by a mix of agriculture, industry, and services, with a nominal GDP of $376.5 billion in 2022. The currency is the Pakistani rupee, introduced in 1949. Key economic indicators include a VAT rate of 18%, an unemployment rate of 5% (2014), and a Gini coefficient of 29.6. The country's infrastructure includes a left-hand traffic system, with speed limits varying by road type. The electrical system operates at 230V and 50Hz, utilizing plug types such as Europlug, BS 1363, and BS 546. The central bank is the State Bank of Pakistan, established in 1948.

### International Relations and Memberships
Pakistan maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia. It is a member of the United Nations since September 30, 1947, and the World Trade Organization. The country is also a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1969), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the Asian Development Bank. Pakistan was a founding member of Interpol in 1952 and has participated in various UN peacekeeping missions. Its foreign policy is shaped by its strategic location and relationships with neighboring countries, particularly regarding the Kashmir conflict.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag features a green field with a white crescent and star, symbolizing progress and light. The national anthem is "Qaumi Taranah," and the motto is "Iman, Ittihad, Nazm." The coat of arms includes a shield with four crops representing the country's agricultural wealth. Pakistan's culture is rich in literature, music, and sports, with cricket being the most popular sport. The country is known for its diverse culinary heritage, recognized by TasteAtlas, and its contributions to Islamic art and architecture.

### Administrative Divisions
Pakistan is divided into four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Additionally, it includes the Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. The country also has disputed territories such as Junagadh and Manavadar. Each administrative unit has its own government and legislative assembly, contributing to the federal structure of the state.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .pk top-level domain and has an international calling code of +92. The ISO codes are PK (Alpha-2), PAK (Alpha-3), and 586 (Numeric). The maritime identification digits are 463, and the mobile country code is 410. The emergency numbers are 15 for police, 16 for fire, and 1122 for medical services. The country's location map and geoshape data are available through OpenStreetMap and other geographic databases.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File