Iran vs. Pakistan

Attribute	Iran	Pakistan
Capital	Tehran	Islamabad
Official Language	Persian	Urdu
Population	83 million	220 million
Area	1,648,195 sq km	881,913 sq km
Government	Islamic Republic	Federal Parliamentary Republic

Geography

Iran and Pakistan are both countries located in South Asia, with Iran being situated in the Middle East and Pakistan in South Asia. Iran is bordered by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, while Pakistan shares its borders with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China. Both countries have diverse landscapes, with Iran having deserts, mountains, and coastlines along the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, while Pakistan has mountains, plains, and a coastline along the Arabian Sea.

Population

Iran has a population of approximately 83 million people, making it the 18th most populous country in the world. Pakistan, on the other hand, has a population of around 220 million people, making it the 5th most populous country in the world. Both countries have a relatively young population, with a large percentage of people under the age of 30. However, Iran has a higher urbanization rate compared to Pakistan, with more people living in cities and urban areas.

Religion

Iran is an Islamic Republic, with the majority of its population adhering to Shia Islam. Pakistan, on the other hand, is an Islamic Republic as well, with the majority of its population following Sunni Islam. Both countries have religious minorities, with Iran having significant populations of Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, while Pakistan has communities of Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and Ahmadis.

Language

The official language of Iran is Persian, also known as Farsi, while the most widely spoken language in Pakistan is Urdu. In addition to Urdu, Pakistan has several regional languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi. Iran also has regional languages such as Azeri, Kurdish, and Arabic, spoken by minority populations in different parts of the country.

Economy

Iran has a mixed economy, with a significant portion of its GDP coming from oil and gas exports. Pakistan, on the other hand, has a diverse economy, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors contributing to its GDP. Both countries face economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and poverty, but Pakistan has a higher poverty rate compared to Iran.

Politics

Iran is an Islamic Republic with a Supreme Leader as the highest authority in the country. Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. Both countries have experienced political instability and military coups in the past, but Pakistan has had a more turbulent political history compared to Iran.

Education

Iran has a relatively high literacy rate, with education being free and compulsory up to the secondary level. Pakistan, on the other hand, has a lower literacy rate compared to Iran, with disparities in education between urban and rural areas. Both countries have made efforts to improve their education systems, with investments in schools, colleges, and universities.

Culture

Iran has a rich cultural heritage, with contributions to literature, art, music, and architecture. Pakistan also has a diverse cultural landscape, with influences from various regions and ethnic groups. Both countries celebrate traditional festivals, have unique cuisines, and practice customs and traditions that are specific to their respective cultures.

Foreign Relations

Iran has had strained relations with the United States and some Western countries due to its nuclear program and regional policies. Pakistan, on the other hand, has had a complex relationship with the US, being a key ally in the war on terror but also facing criticism for its support of militant groups. Both countries have strong ties with China and other regional powers, playing important roles in the geopolitics of the Middle East and South Asia.