The state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir lies between longitude 73o – 75o and latitude 33o – 36o and comprises an area of 5134 square miles (13,297 square kilometers). The topography of the area is mainly hilly and mountainous with valleys and stretches of plains. The area is full of natural beauty with thick forest, fast flowing rivers and winding streams. Main rivers are Jehlum, Neelum and Poonch. The climate is sub-tropical highland type with an average yearly rainfall of 1300 mm. The elevation ranges from 360 meters in the south to 6325 meters in the north.
According to the 1998 population census, the state of Azad Jammu & Kashmir had a population of 2.973, which estimated to have grown to 3.4 million in 2004. Almost 100% population is Muslim. The Rural to Urban ratio is 88:12.The population density is 258 persons per Sq Km. The literacy rate have increased from 55% to 60% after 1998 census. Infant mortality rate is approximately 56 per 1000 live births, whereas the immunization rate for the children under 5 years of age is more than 88%
The majority of the rural population depends on forestry, livestock and agriculture for its subsistence. Average per capita income is estimated to range from $ 5000 US to $ 600 US. Unemployment rate is from 35 to 50%. In line with the national trends, indicators of social sector improvement, particularly health and population welfare have not shown much proficiency. Efforts have been made during the recent past to make up this deficiency, which will bring the fruits of development to the common man.
A proper census has not been taken in recent years, however the population of Azad Kashmir includes the following tribes:
Like the rest of Pakistan, Azad Kashmir is predominantly Muslim, with minority groups like the Kalash who practice pagan rituals.
The dominant language of Azad Kashmir is Northern Hindko which is sometimes incorrectly called 'Mirpuri'. Its linguistic boundaries extend beyond the borders of Azad Kashmir and thus it is inaccurate to call it Mirpuri. The Hindko dialects spoken in Azad Kashmir are both distantly related to Punjabi, but have distinct features. Pashto is also spoken by sizeable minority. This due to the sizeable migrant Afghan community who have settled in the Mirpur area.
According to the 1998 population census, the state of Azad Jammu & Kashmir had a population of 2.973, which estimated to have grown to 3.4 million in 2004. Almost 100% population is Muslim. The Rural to Urban ratio is 88:12.The population density is 258 persons per Sq Km. The literacy rate have increased from 55% to 60% after 1998 census. Infant mortality rate is approximately 56 per 1000 live births, whereas the immunization rate for the children under 5 years of age is more than 88%
The majority of the rural population depends on forestry, livestock and agriculture for its subsistence. Average per capita income is estimated to range from $ 5000 US to $ 600 US. Unemployment rate is from 35 to 50%. In line with the national trends, indicators of social sector improvement, particularly health and population welfare have not shown much proficiency. Efforts have been made during the recent past to make up this deficiency, which will bring the fruits of development to the common man.
Tribes
A proper census has not been taken in recent years, however the population of Azad Kashmir includes the following tribes:
- Abbasi
- Ansari
- Gujar
- Jat
- Kashmiri
- Malik
- Mughal
- Pashtuns
- Rajput
- Rehmani
- Sudhan
- And many other tribes.
Like the rest of Pakistan, Azad Kashmir is predominantly Muslim, with minority groups like the Kalash who practice pagan rituals.
Languages
The dominant language of Azad Kashmir is Northern Hindko which is sometimes incorrectly called 'Mirpuri'. Its linguistic boundaries extend beyond the borders of Azad Kashmir and thus it is inaccurate to call it Mirpuri. The Hindko dialects spoken in Azad Kashmir are both distantly related to Punjabi, but have distinct features. Pashto is also spoken by sizeable minority. This due to the sizeable migrant Afghan community who have settled in the Mirpur area.
