 Having gained independence from the British Empire (and also from India)in 1947, Pakistan is officially a young nation. Its history, however, can be traced back over 4,000 years to the ancient Indus civilization sites at Mohenjodaro. Independent kingdoms, dynasties, and empires followed, and vibrant trade routes linking Central Asia with China,known collectively as the Silk Road, developed. It was not until the 16th century that Islam took root in Northern India when, in 1525, Babur founded the mighty Moghul dynasty. Lahore became the center of Moghul culture, which encouraged all forms of artistic endeavors including literature, music, and architecture.
European traders arrived on the Indian subcontinent as early as the 15th century, and by the dawn of the 18th century, British power had begun to take firm hold as Moghul power declined. Over time, the British successfully captured and controlled most of the region. Conflicts erupted first between the British and Muslims of Northern India, and then later between Hindus and Muslims. On August 14, 1947, Pakistan was granted independence from India and was declared a new Islamic state.
The people of Pakistan are of diverse ethnicities, although they overwhelmingly share the religion of Islam. Over half of the population is Punjabi, the relatively tall and fair descendants of the Indo-European Aryans. Scattered throughout this majority are numerous tribal groups of varying stock.
 Over 30 million years ago, powerful geological forces heaved the earth and created a giant sweep of mountains now known as the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Pamir, and Karakoram Ranges. Eight of the world's highest mountains are found in this northern region. The rugged mountain terrain stands in stark contrast to the lush lowlands below, among them Swat, Chitral and Hunza Valleys. Further south is the fertile Northern Plateau which includes Peshawar and the administrative capital of Islamabad. Lahore is Pakistan's artistic and cultural capital and its finest Moghul city. Descending into the Central Plains yields not only the agricultural breadbasket but also the home to almost one third of the country's population. The mighty Indus River slices through the heart of Pakistan before merging into the Arabian Sea near the port city of Karachi. The southeastern Sind Province is barren desert.
The varied topical landscape in Pakistan makes for three distinct seasons: cool, hot, and monsoon. The planet's hottest temperatures have been recorded in Pakistan and it is not uncommon for summer temperatures in the lower Indus Plains to exceed 120o. The northern alpine regions are milder. The winter months between October and February temper the heat of the plains and desert and render the otherwise seasonable northern valleys of Hunza and Swat bitterly cold with steady drizzle or snow likely. |
