Some facts about Pakistan below, courtesy of BBC News Interactive

Full name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Population: 161.1 million (UN, 2005)

Capital: Islamabad

Largest city: Karachi

Area: 796,095 sq km (307,374 sq miles), excluding Pakistani-administered Kashmir (83,716 sq km/32,323 sq miles)

Major languages: English, Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi

Major religion: Islam

Life expectancy: 63 years (men), 63 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 Pakistani Rupee = 100 paisa

Main exports: Textile products, rice, cotton, leather goods

GNI per capita: US $690 (World Bank, 2006)

Internet domain: .pk

International dialling code: +92