When the British Empire partitioned its Indian colony in 1947, it created two independent states: India, where most residents were Hindus, and Pakistan, where most were Muslims. Violence immediately broke out, during which approximately 250,000 people were killed and a million others became refugees. Since then Pakistan and India have fought several wars and there have been numerous tensions along their borders, particularly in the disputed region known as Kashmir. The next full-scale war between these rivals could be devastating, as both countries now possess nuclear weapons. This book examines the economic and political issues facing Pakistan today, which include overpopulation, terrorism, poverty, illiteracy, and corruption. It provides up-to-date information about the country's geography and climate, history, society, important cities and communities, and relations with other countries.