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Lahore is the capital and largest city of the Pakistani province of Punjab. It is the second largest city in Pakistan, after Karachi, and 26th largest in the world, with a population of over 13 million. It is located in the north-eastern region of Punjab, along the River Ravi. Lahore is one of Pakistan's major industrial and economic hubs. It has been the historic capital and cultural centre of the wider Punjab region, and is one of Pakistan's most socially liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan cities.
There are more than 25 bazaars in Shah Alam Market. The famous one includes Pappar Mandi, Rang Mahal, Bottle Bazzar, Sarafa Bazaar.
The origin of Lahore's name is unclear. The city's name has been variously recorded by early Muslim historians as Luhawar, Lūhār, and Rahwar. The Iranian polymath and geographer, Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni, referred to the city as Luhāwar in his 11th century work, Qanun, while the poet Amir Khusrow, who lived during the Delhi Sultanate period, recorded the city's name as Lāhanūr.[31] Yaqut al-Hamawi records the city's name as Lawhūr, mentioning that it was famously known as Lahāwar. Persian historian Firishta mentions the city as Alahwar in his work, with al-Ahwar being another variation.
One theory suggests that Lahore's name is a corruption of the word Ravāwar, as R to L shifts are common in languages derived from Sanskrit. Ravāwar is the simplified pronunciation of the name Iravatyāwar, a name possibly derived from the Ravi River, known as the Iravati River in the Vedas. Another theory suggests the city's name may derive from the word Lohar, meaning "blacksmith".
According to a legend, Lahore's name derives from Lavpur or Lavapuri ("City of Lava"), and is said to have been founded by Prince Lava, the son of Sita and Rama. The same account attributes the founding of nearby Kasur to his twin brother Kusha, though it was actually established in the 16th century.
Lahore has a semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSh), falling just under the category of humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cwa). The hottest month is June, where temperatures routinely exceed 45 °C (113 °F). The monsoon season starts in late June, and the wettest months are July, August and September. With heavy rainfalls and evening thunderstorms with the possibility of cloudbursts and flash floods. The coolest month is January, with dense fog.
Lahore is in northeastern portion of Pakistan, lying between 31°15′-31°45′ N and 74°01′-74°39′ E. The city is bounded on the north and west by the Sheikhupura District, on the east by Wagah, and on the south by Kasur District. The Ravi River flows on the northern side of Lahore. Lahore city covers a total land area of 404 square kilometres (156 sq mi).
Population
The results of the 2017 Census determined the population of Lahore to be 11,126,285, with an annual growth rate of 4.07% since 1998. Gender-wise, 52.35% of the population are male, 47.64% are female, and 0.01% are transgender. Lahore is a demographically young city, with over 40% of its inhabitants below the age of 15.
Ethnic groups and castes in the Lahore district
Punjabi-Arains (40%)
Kashmiris (30%)
Punjabi-Rajputs (5%)
Punjabi-Kamboj (5%)
Miscellaneous (20%)
According to the 2017 Pakistani census, the largest groups in terms of ethnicity and caste are Punjabi Arains, constituting 40%, followed by Kashmiris at 30% with other groups such as Punjabi Rajputs and Punjabi Kamboh at 5% each.
Religion
94.7% Christianity
5.14% Hinduism
0.024% Others
Since Lahore contains some of Sikhism's holiest sites, it is a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs. Lahore's first church was built during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century, but was then leveled by Shah Jahan in 1632. Due to the few numbers of Hindus living in Lahore, the only two functional Hindu temples in the city are the Shri Krishna Mandir and the Valmiki Mandir.
Languages
Punjabi (80.94%)
Urdu (12.62%)
Other (6.44%)
The Punjabi language is the most-widely spoken native language in Lahore, with 80% of Lahore counting it as their first language according to the 2017 Census. Lahore is the largest Punjabi-speaking city in the world. According to the 2017 Pakistani census 12.6% speak Urdu, 2.7% Pashto, 1.02% Saraiki and 2.78% other mother tongues.
Urdu and English are used as official languages and as mediums of instruction and media administration. However, Punjabi is also taught at graduation level and used in theatres, films, and newspapers from Lahore. Several Lahore-based prominent educational leaders, researchers, and social commentators have demanded that the Punjabi language should be declared as the medium of instruction at the primary level and be used officially in the Punjab Assembly, Lahore.