Pakistani facts for kids
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 199 million | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Pakistan not specific |
207,774,520 |
 Saudi Arabia |
1,900,000 |
 United Arab Emirates |
1,200,000 |
 United Kingdom |
1,174,983 |
 United States |
363,699 |
 Canada |
156,865 |
 Kuwait |
150,000 |
 Italy |
100,000+ |
 Qatar |
90,000 |
 Oman |
85,000 |
 Spain |
80,000 |
 Greece |
80,000 |
 France |
60,000 |
 Malaysia |
56,000 |
 China |
54,000 |
 Germany |
49,000 |
 Bahrain |
45,000 |
 Norway |
39,134 |
 Australia |
31,277 |
 Libya |
30,000 |
 Belgium |
14,500 |
 Sweden |
12,450 |
 Japan |
10,000 |
| Languages | |
| Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Saraiki, Kashmiri, Brahui, Balti and others | |
| Religion | |
| Islam 97% (majority Sunni, 20% Shia) Other Religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Ahmadiyya, Bahá'í Faith, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism |
|
The word Pakistani (Urdu: پاکِستانی) means someone from or about the country of the modern Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It refers to a person from Pakistan. Every citizen of Pakistan is called a Pakistani.
Contents
Who are Pakistanis?
Pakistanis are the people who live in or come from Pakistan, a country in South Asia. Pakistan is home to a very large population, with over 200 million people. This makes it one of the most populated countries in the world. Pakistanis are known for their rich culture and diverse traditions.
Where Do Pakistanis Live?
Most Pakistanis live in Pakistan. However, many Pakistanis also live in other countries around the world. They often move for work or to study. Large communities of Pakistanis can be found in countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. There are also many Pakistanis living in the United States and Canada. These communities help share Pakistani culture globally.
Languages Spoken in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country with many different languages. The official national language is Urdu. Urdu is spoken and understood by most people across the country. However, many other regional languages are also very important.
- Punjabi is widely spoken in the Punjab province.
- Sindhi is the main language in the Sindh province.
- Pashto is spoken by the Pashtun people in the northwest.
- Balochi is spoken in the Balochistan province.
- Saraiki is another important language, similar to Punjabi.
- Kashmiri is spoken in the northern areas.
- Brahui and Balti are also spoken in specific regions.
People often speak their regional language at home and Urdu for wider communication.
Religions of Pakistan
The main religion in Pakistan is Islam. About 97% of Pakistanis follow Islam. Most Muslims in Pakistan are Sunni Muslims, but there is also a significant number of Shia Muslims.
While Islam is the majority religion, Pakistan is also home to people of other faiths. These include:
People of different religions live together in Pakistan.
Pakistani Culture and Traditions
Pakistani culture is a mix of many different influences. It has roots in ancient Indus Valley Civilization, Persian culture, and Islamic traditions. This blend makes Pakistani culture very unique and colorful.
Food and Festivals
Pakistani food is famous for its rich flavors and spices. Popular dishes include biryani (rice with meat), nihari (slow-cooked stew), and kebabs. Sweet dishes like gulab jamun and jalebi are also very popular.
Festivals are a big part of Pakistani life. The two main Islamic festivals are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. During these Eids, families gather, share special meals, and exchange gifts. Other celebrations include Basant (a spring festival of kite flying) and Pakistan Day, which celebrates the country's independence.
Music and Arts
Pakistani music is very diverse. Qawwali is a traditional form of Sufi devotional music that is very popular. Modern Pakistani music includes pop, rock, and folk genres. Many artists use traditional instruments like the sitar and tabla.
Pakistani art often features beautiful calligraphy, especially Islamic calligraphy. Traditional crafts like pottery, embroidery, and carpet weaving are also very important. These crafts show the skill and creativity of Pakistani artisans.
Sports and Hobbies
Cricket is the most popular sport in Pakistan. Children and adults love to play and watch cricket matches. The Pakistani national cricket team is very successful. Other popular sports include field hockey, squash, and football. Many Pakistanis also enjoy traditional games and outdoor activities.
