Officially known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the country situated in Southeast Asia is the sixth most populous in the world with a population which exceeds 207 million inhabitants.

Pakistan is the only country in the world to have been created in the name of Islam. In 1947 it became an independent homeland for Indian Muslims. The country adopted a constitution in 1956, and a civil war in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan’s secession, known as Bangladesh. A new constitution was adopted in 1973 which gave way to a new federal government, and the formation of four federal provinces and federal territories.

Pakistan has the sixth largest standing army in the world; the country is also a nuclear power and recognized as a nuclear-weapons state. A well-developed agricultural and growing services sector comprise most of Pakistan’s semi-industrialized economy. Pakistan faces many challenges including overpopulation, illiteracy, corruption, and high poverty rates. The country is a member of the UN, Economic Cooperation Organization, Group of 24 and Group of 77, and the Non-Aligned Movement, among others.

The country is governed by the Head of State, the President, who is elected by an electoral college. The legislative branch is run by a bicameral system made up of 100-senate members, and 342 members of the National Assembly. The Prime Minister holds Executive power in the country, who is responsible for appointment of cabinet members. The Judiciary branch is comprised of two court-systems, the superior and subordinate courts.

Pakistan has great influence on international affairs, as it is the only Muslim-country on the nuclear-weapons state list, and is the second most populous Asian-country. It is a strong non-NATO ally of the US in war against terrorism. The country is also an influential member of IAEA. The Kashmir-Conflict is an ongoing territorial dispute, which has greatly impacted and hindered relations between India and Pakistan.

The country’s economy is the second largest in southeast Asia, making up approximately 15% of the regional-GDP. Agricultural development is a primary component to the economy, and exports of raw imports also greatly influence the country’s earnings. Industry, including textiles, and the services sector, are prominent aspects of the country’s economy. Nuclear power, energy, transport, and tourism, also contribute to the country’s GDP.

The constitution requires free education to be provided for primary and secondary education. The country has a broad demographic-base, and there are over 60 known languages which are spoken in the country. Islam is the country’s major religion, followed by Hinduism, and Christianity and other religions are practiced, but in much smaller numbers.

The National Law Review covers news stories from Pakistan, in relation to international affairs. International trade, antidumping regulations, import and export laws, immigration law, international regulations over data security, internet, banking, and foreign-relations, are among the stories covered by the National Law Review. Visitors will continually find information as it relates to the country, its people, and US and international-relations.