Islamabad is the federal capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with modern culture and architecture to synchronize itself with other capitals around the globe. Islamabad was built during the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan's capital. The city's master-plan, designed by Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis, divides the city into eight zones, including administrative, diplomatic enclave, residential areas, educational sectors, industrial sectors, commercial areas, rural and green areas.
Islamabad comprises of approximately 350 square miles (906 square km) area. A further 1,049 square miles (2,717 square km) area, known as the Specified Areas, forms a trapezoid with the Margalla Hills, 3,000 to 5,000 feet (900 to 1,500 meters) high in the north and northeast. The southern part of the city is an undulating plain. It is drained by the Kurang River, on which the Rawal Dam forms a lake.
Islamabad is home to many cultural and social landmarks of the country, including the magnificent Faisal Mosque, Parliament House, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Lok Virsa, Pakistan Monument, Golrah Shrine, Pak China Friendship Center among many others.
