Geography of Pakistan and Afghanistan

Objective: Examine the physical, historical, political, religious, and ethno-linguistic geography of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Explore the geography in order to be able to better understand the history and current events of these two countries.

Start by looking at the PowerPoint of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and do additional research as needed. Answer the questions below:

Physical Geography: Pakistan and Afghanistan

  1. Describe the physical geography of Pakistan. Consider factors such as major physical features, elevation, climate.
  2. How do you think the physical geography could affect the people of Pakistan? How does geography affect where people live in Pakistan? (Check out the population map) What kinds of benefits and what kinds of challenges might people face as a result of the physical geography?
  3. Describe the physical geography of Afghanistan. Consider factors such as major physical features, elevation, climate.
  4. How do you think the physical geography could affect the people of Afghanistan? How does geography affect where people live in Afghanistan? (Check out the population map) What kinds of benefits and what kinds of challenges might people face as a result of the physical geography?

Historical and Political Geography: Pakistan

  1. Which civilization controlled Pakistan in 500 B.C.?
  2. Who controlled Pakistan in the 16th century?
  3. When did Pakistan become an independent country?
  4. From whom did Pakistan gain its independence?
  5. Until 1971 Pakistan was one country, split into two geographically separated areas: West Pakistan and East Pakistan. What is East Pakistan called today? Do a little research to find out: Why did East Pakistan seek independence? How was independence achieved?
  6. With which countries does Pakistan share its borders?
  7. What is the capital of Pakistan?
  8. Locate the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and answer the following: Where are they located? How are they governed? Why are they a troublesome area today?
  9. Look at the province of Kashmir and answer the following: Where is it located? With which other country does Pakistan contest ownership of Kashmir? Why do these two countries contest ownership of this region?

Historical and Political Geography: Afghanistan

  1. Which civilization controlled Afghanistan in 500 B.C.?
  2. Who controlled Afghanistan in the 16th century?
  3. Which 2 European countries fought to control Afghanistan in the 19th century?
  4. Which day is celebrated as Afghan independence day (include the year too), and what does that date mark?
  5. Which country invaded Afghanistan in 1979, and how long did the occupation last?
  6. With which countries does Afghanistan share its borders?
  7. What is the capital of Afghanistan?

Religious Geography: Pakistan and Afghanistan

  1. What is the dominant religion in Pakistan and Afghanistan?
  2. What religions do (a) Pakistan’s and (b) Afghanistan’s neighboring countries practice?

Ethno-linguistic Geography: Pakistan and Afghanistan

  1. Describe the ethnic composition of (a) present-day Pakistan and (b) present-day Afghanistan. Please be specific, making an effort to describe which ethnic groups dominate the largest areas in each country, and where they are located.
  2. Looking at the ethnic breakdown of these countries, do the political boundary lines make sense to you? Explain your response.
  3. How do you think the multiethnic composition of these countries might have affected them (and continue to affect them)?