Pakistan

Basic Facts Population: 159 million ( July 2004 est.) Rural: 65% Urban: 35% Per capital income: US$ 652 Export: Cotton, textile goods, rice, leather items, carpets, sports goods, fruits, Languages: Urdu (National language)& English (Official) Literacy rate: 45.7% Agriculture: Major crops are cotton, wheat, rice and sugarcane

Maps of India & Pakistan

How did Pakistan form? The First War: India and Pakistan have a long and complicated history with each other. In fact, these two countries simultaneously became independent from Britain. When British India became independent, it was supposed to be divided into two parts. Areas consisting of 75% or more Muslims were to become Pakistan and the rest of the territory IndiaThe First War: India and Pakistan have a long and complicated history with each other. In fact, these two countries simultaneously became independent from Britain. When British India became independent, it was supposed to be divided into two parts. Areas consisting of 75% or more Muslims were to become Pakistan and the rest of the territory India

Why the conflict between India & Pakistan? This arrangement did not include the Princely States, one of which is Kashmir. The Princely were at liberty to determine their own future -- they could join Pakistan, join India, or remain as a separate state. The Maharaja of Kashmir decided to preserve the state of Kashmir so he decided to join neither India nor Pakistan.This arrangement did not include the Princely States, one of which is Kashmir. The Princely were at liberty to determine their own future -- they could join Pakistan, join India, or remain as a separate state. The Maharaja of Kashmir decided to preserve the state of Kashmir so he decided to join neither India nor Pakistan.

Kashmir Map

Background of Kashmir Kashmir is officially known as Jammu and Kashmir and is located on the northern borders of India and Pakistan. About 12 million people reside in Kashmir, 70% of which are Muslim. India, Pakistan, and the Kashmirs, each believing they should control Kashmir, are disputing the "ownership" of Kashmir. As of now, India and Pakistan share the territory.Kashmir is officially known as Jammu and Kashmir and is located on the northern borders of India and Pakistan. About 12 million people reside in Kashmir, 70% of which are Muslim. India, Pakistan, and the Kashmirs, each believing they should control Kashmir, are disputing the "ownership" of Kashmir. As of now, India and Pakistan share the territory.

The problem begins…… However, Pakistan sent tribal leaders to talk to Kashmir about their decision of self- leadership. The Indian government saw Pakistan's action as a sign of invasion and sent their troops to help defend the state of Kashmir. The result of the first war between India and Pakistan involving Kashmir was Pakistan controlling 37% while India controlled 63%.However, Pakistan sent tribal leaders to talk to Kashmir about their decision of self- leadership. The Indian government saw Pakistan's action as a sign of invasion and sent their troops to help defend the state of Kashmir. The result of the first war between India and Pakistan involving Kashmir was Pakistan controlling 37% while India controlled 63%.

Where does that leave the people of Kashmir? India insists on maintaining its ownership over KashmirIndia insists on maintaining its ownership over Kashmir Pakistan refuses to accept Indian ownership and control.Pakistan refuses to accept Indian ownership and control. Both countries see it as vital. (Control over Indus River Valley & water flow)Both countries see it as vital. (Control over Indus River Valley & water flow) Both countries reject total independence for Kashmir.Both countries reject total independence for Kashmir.

Why does either side want Kashmir? Control over the Indus River-Control over the Indus River- The headwaters begin in Kashmir. Whomever controls the headwater, controls the river. The water is important to both India & Pakistan. They are afraid that in the hands of their enemy, they will close off access to the other country.

Another reason for conflict… Religions Sites-Religions Sites- –Pakistan is Muslim –India is Hindu

And the final reason… Geographic LocationGeographic Location –For India-it is a buffer between Pakistan and India. –For Pakistan, it is access to fertile land.