13 Interesting Facts about Islamabad

First published 21st October 2019 Robin James

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Like to know a little more about the capital cities of the world and increase your chances of being crowned pub quiz champion? Take a look at these 13 fun facts about Islamabad!

1. Where is Islamabad?

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan.

2. It rolls off the tongue!

Wondering how to say the name of this wonderful city? It’s pronounced Is-la-muh-bad.

3. It’s a massive city!

The total land area of Islamabad is 350 square miles (906 square kilometers) – that’s nearly twice the size of Leeds.

The National Flag of Pakistan

4. Plenty of people live here, too.

Islamabad’s population was 1.015 million in 2017 – that’s slightly less than double the population of Leeds and gives it a population density of around 3,900 residents per square mile.

5. It’s quite a way above the water.

Islamabad is located 1,770 ft above sea level.

6. It’s beautiful to look at!

Founded in 1960, Islamabad is a very green and luscious city, surrounded by beautiful mountains.

7. The city is young, but the settlement isn’t!

Despite being founded as a city a mere 56 years ago, Islamabad is actually one of the earliest known human settlements in Asia and boasts some of the earliest stone age artifacts in the world, dating back more than 500,000 years!

8. It’s sweltering out here!

People living in Islamabad enjoy a humid subtropical climate with five seasons (winter, spring, summer, rainy monsoon and autumn) and an average annual temperature of 69°F.

9. How do you find Islamabad on a compass?

Looking to make your own way to Islamabad? You’ll need the coordinates of 33.7167° N, 73.0667° E to get there.

Faisal Mosque, Islamabad

10. Go up on high!

Make sure you visit Pir Sohawa if you’re in Islamabad; it’s the city’s highest tourist spot, delivering breathtaking views across the city. There’s also an eatery providing delicious lunches and even wild monkeys who are free to roam around!

11. People speak many languages here!

The official language of Islamabad is Urdu, although English, Punjabi and Pashto are also spoken here.

12. What money is accepted here?

Pakistani Rupee is the official currency here.

13. It’s very big with visitors.

Pakistan welcomed 966,000 tourists into the country in 2012, many of whom visited Islamabad for its cosmopolitan vibe and urban-meets-countryside lifestyle.