What is the terrain and geography like in Pakistan?
The average annual rainfall varies from 6 inches in Karachi, 15 inches in Peshawar, and 18 inches in Lahore, to about 30 inches in Islamabad. Most rain falls during the summer monsoon from July to September, although parts of the Punjab and the Northwest Frontier experience a moderate winter rainy season as well.
Climate: |
Seasonal temperatures vary widely in these five regions. With the exception of the Far North, summers are hot throughout the country with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 120°F and little nighttime relief. Trade winds provide some relief during the hot and humid summers in Karachi and a brief cool season comes between December and February. In Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, a distinct winter season brings daytime temperatures of 60°F or less and cold nights. Islamabad and Peshawar may have light frosts. Spring and fall are delightful seasons in these three cities. Altitude governs climate in the Far North, with pleasant summers in the lower regions and perpetual snow in the higher mountains. The average annual rainfall varies from 6 inches in Karachi, 15 inches in Peshawar, and 18 inches in Lahore, to about 30 inches in Islamabad. Most rain falls during the summer monsoon from July to September, although parts of the Punjab and the Northwest Frontier experience a moderate winter rainy season as well. |
Terrain: | flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west |
Natural Resources: | land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone |
Natural Hazards: | frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August) |
Irrigated Land: |
77,181 Square Miles 199,900 Square Kilometers |
Environmental Issues: | 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 |
Environment - International Agreements: | party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation |
Geographic Location | Asia |
Total Area |
307,372 Square Miles 796,095 Square Kilometers |
Land Area |
297,635 Square Miles 770,875 Square Kilometers |
Water Area |
9,737 Square Miles 25,220 Square Kilometers |
Land Boundaries |
4,209 Miles 6,774 Kilometers |
Irrigated Land |
77,181 Square Miles 199,900 Square Kilometers |
Border Countries | Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km |
Coastline |
650 Miles 1,046 Kilometers |
Geographic Coordinates | 30 00 N, 70 00 E |
Terrain | flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west |
Highest Point | 8,611 Meters |
Highest Point Location | K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m |
Lowest Point Location | Indian Ocean 0 m |
Natural Resources | land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone |
Time Zone | UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |