Quetta is the capital and largest city of the Pakistani province of Balochistan. It is the ninth largest city in Pakistan, with an estimated population of over 1.7 million in 2024. It is situated in the south-west of the country, lying in a valley surrounded by mountains on all sides. Quetta is at an average elevation of 1,680 metres above sea level, making it Pakistan's highest-altitude major city. The city is sometimes referred to as the "Fruit Garden of Pakistan" because of its numerous fruit orchards and the variety of fresh and dried fruits produced in the region.