Pakistan: flag, capital, currency and history

Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in Southern Asia, Asia. Its capital is Islamabad. The currency is the Pakistani rupee. Languages spoken include English and Urdu.

Quick facts about Pakistan

Official name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Capital: Islamabad
Region: Asia, Southern Asia
Currency: Pakistani rupee (PKR, Rs)
Languages: English, Urdu
Calling code: +92
Internet domain: .pk
Area: 881,912 km² (340,508 sq mi)
Land borders: Afghanistan, China, India, Iran
Demonym: Pakistani
National day: Independence Day, August 14

Flag of Pakistan

Download the flag of Pakistan as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇵🇰.

SVG (vector)

History of Pakistan

The Indus Valley, in present-day Pakistan, was home to one of the world's early urban civilisations, with cities such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. The region later fell under many rulers, including Persian, Greek, Muslim dynasties and the Mughal Empire, founded in 1526. British rule over the Indian subcontinent was consolidated in the 19th century. Following a movement for a separate homeland for Muslims, British India was partitioned in 1947 and Pakistan became independent. East Pakistan broke away in 1971 to form Bangladesh. Pakistan is a federal republic with a 1973 constitution.

Key dates

c. 2600 BCThe mature phase of the Indus Valley Civilisation begins, with cities including Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.
1526Babur establishes the Mughal Empire in northern India after the Battle of Panipat.
1940The All-India Muslim League adopts the Lahore Resolution calling for separate Muslim-majority states.
1947British India is partitioned and Pakistan becomes an independent dominion.
1956Pakistan adopts its first constitution and becomes an Islamic republic.
1971East Pakistan separates after a war and becomes the independent state of Bangladesh.
1973A new constitution is adopted, which remains the basis of the state.