Bangladesh Facts

Bangladesh, State of South Asia; 147 570 km², 161.4 million residents (2019).Bangladesh is located at the Ganga outlet in the Bay of Bengal. The country is surrounded by India, except in the south-east, where it borders Burma. The capital is Dhaka (7 million residents, 2012).

Country facts

• Ghana Prajātantrī Bangladesh / People’s Republic of Bangladesh
• Country abbreviation: BD
• Area: 147 570 km²
• Population (2019): 161.4 million residents
• Capital: Dhaka
• Main language: Bengali
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Abdul Hamid (President)
• Head of Government: Shejk Hasina
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 1 693
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 1 750
• Currency unit: 1 taka = 100 paisas
• Currency code: BDT
• Country number (telephony): 880
• Internet domain name: bd
• Time difference compared to Sweden: +5
• National Day: March 26 (Independence Day, 1971)

Nature

• Land use: forest (14%), agricultural land (51%), other (35%)
• Highest mountain: Keokradong (1 230 m above sea level)
• Longest rivers: Brahmaputra (2,700 km) and Ganges (2,506 km)

Population

• Population density (2019): 1,094 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 1.3%; birthrate 18 ‰, death count 5 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (29%), 15-64 (66%), 65- (5%)
• Life expectancy (2019): men 71 years, women 74 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 22 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 193 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.608 (place 136 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 37%
• Most populous cities (2012): Dhaka (7 million residents), Chittagong (2.6 million), Khulna (663,000)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (14%), industry (29%), service (57%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 35,300 million
• Main export products: clothing, jute
• Main exporting countries: Germany, USA, UK
• Imports (2017): US $ 47,560 million
• Main import products: machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, iron and steel
• Main importing countries: China, India, Singapore
• Railway network (2014): 2 460 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Bangladesh is a South Asian country located on the Bay of Bengal, bordered by India to the west, north, and east, and Myanmar (Burma) to the southeast. The country is strategically located at the confluence of three major rivers: the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna, which form an intricate network of waterways that cover much of the country’s landscape. Bangladesh shares an extensive land border with India, approximately 4,096 kilometers long, making it one of the largest countries in the world by land border. To the southeast, it shares a much shorter border with Myanmar, while the southern coastline is washed by the Bay of Bengal.

The country’s total land area is about 147,570 square kilometers, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Despite its relatively small geographic size, Bangladesh plays an important role in regional geopolitics due to its location near some of the busiest shipping routes in the world, as well as its access to the natural resources of the Bay of Bengal.

Topography and Natural Features

Bangladesh is largely a low-lying country, with more than half of its land area being less than 10 meters above sea level. Its topography consists primarily of fertile floodplains formed by the three great rivers of the subcontinent: the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. These rivers and their tributaries are vital to the country’s agricultural practices, as they deposit silt that enriches the soil, making it one of the most fertile regions in the world.

The country is known for its vast network of wetlands, which serve as vital ecosystems for both wildlife and the economy. The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, is an important ecological feature. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered Bengal tiger. The coastal region is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones, storm surges, and flooding, which regularly affect Bangladesh due to its low elevation and geographical location.

River Systems and Floodplains

The river systems in Bangladesh are integral to both its economy and culture. The Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna rivers, which merge into the Bay of Bengal, create fertile plains that support the agricultural economy. However, these rivers also flood seasonally, causing widespread displacement and damage. The floodplains, while rich in nutrients for agriculture, often pose a significant challenge for the government and its citizens due to the risk of recurring natural disasters. These river systems also provide crucial transportation routes, making them vital to trade and mobility in the country.

Climate

Tropical Climate and Seasonal Patterns

Bangladesh experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot and humid weather for most of the year. The country has three distinct seasons: a hot summer, a rainy monsoon season, and a cooler winter. During the summer, from March to June, temperatures can rise above 40°C (104°F), especially in the northern and western parts of the country. The monsoon season lasts from June to October and brings heavy rainfall, with the southwest monsoon winds causing intense downpours that can lead to flooding in low-lying areas.

The winter season, from November to February, is milder and more pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). The monsoon season is crucial for Bangladesh’s agricultural economy, as it provides the necessary water for crops such as rice and jute. However, it also brings the risk of destructive flooding, particularly during cyclones, which can devastate coastal areas. The country’s vulnerability to natural disasters is further exacerbated by rising sea levels due to climate change, which threatens the population and infrastructure.

Cyclones and Natural Disasters

Bangladesh is highly susceptible to natural disasters, especially tropical cyclones, which strike the coastal regions with alarming frequency. These storms bring heavy rains, high winds, and storm surges, resulting in widespread destruction. The country’s geographic location on the Bay of Bengal makes it particularly vulnerable to these extreme weather events. In addition to cyclones, flooding and landslides are common, especially during the monsoon season. The frequent occurrence of these disasters highlights the challenges the country faces in terms of disaster preparedness, relief, and long-term resilience.

People

Population

Bangladesh is the eighth most populous country in the world, with a population of over 170 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries globally. The country is characterized by its youthful population, with a significant proportion under the age of 25. The population density is particularly high in the central and southern regions, including the capital city, Dhaka. Bangladesh’s population growth rate has slowed in recent years, thanks to government efforts in family planning and healthcare improvements. Despite the large population, the country has made substantial progress in improving life expectancy and reducing infant mortality.

Ethnicity and Languages

The vast majority of Bangladeshis are ethnically Bengali, which comprises about 98% of the population. Bangladesh’s cultural and linguistic identity is deeply tied to the Bengali people, who share a common language, Bengali (Bangla), as their first language. Bengali is the official language of the country, and it is used in education, government, and media.

In addition to the Bengali majority, there are several indigenous communities living in the country, such as the Chakma, Garo, and Santals, among others. These groups are primarily concentrated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and other remote areas. Although they represent a small percentage of the population, these indigenous groups add to the cultural diversity of Bangladesh, with their unique traditions, languages, and lifestyles.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in Bangladesh, with approximately 90% of the population identifying as Muslim, primarily Sunni. The country has a rich Islamic heritage, and Islam significantly shapes its culture, politics, and daily life. The remaining 10% of the population is made up of Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, with Hinduism being the second-largest religion in the country.

Religious festivals play an important role in the lives of Bangladeshi people, with celebrations like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Durga Puja being observed with great enthusiasm. Bangladesh is known for its religious tolerance, with many interfaith communities living together peacefully despite the complex history of religious tensions in the region.

Economy

Overview

The economy of Bangladesh has grown significantly over the past few decades, transitioning from a primarily agrarian economy to one with diverse industrial and service sectors. The country’s economy is driven by agriculture, textiles and garments, remittances from overseas workers, and growing sectors such as telecommunications and finance. Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty, with millions of people moving out of poverty and into the middle class.

Bangladesh has a mixed economy, where both state and private sectors play crucial roles. The country’s workforce is predominantly engaged in agriculture, followed by manufacturing, particularly textiles and garments, which have become central to the economy. However, the service sector has also seen significant growth, contributing to GDP and employment. The government has worked to improve infrastructure, invest in education and health, and address income inequality through social safety nets.

Agriculture and Industry

Agriculture plays a central role in Bangladesh’s economy, employing a large portion of the population, especially in rural areas. The country is a major producer of rice, jute, tea, and vegetables. Rice is the staple food and the principal crop grown in Bangladesh, followed by crops like jute, which is a significant export commodity. The fertile river delta is ideal for farming, and the irrigation systems used during the monsoon season have supported agricultural productivity.

Bangladesh’s industrial sector is most notable for its ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which is the second-largest in the world after China. The country exports textiles and apparel to countries around the globe, making it a key player in global supply chains. The country is also expanding into other manufacturing industries such as shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and cement production.

The service sector is growing rapidly, contributing significantly to GDP growth. Telecommunications, banking, finance, and retail are vital components of the service industry. Remittances from the large Bangladeshi diaspora, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, are another important source of foreign exchange, and the government has worked to tap into global markets to further boost remittance inflows.

Trade and Foreign Relations

Bangladesh’s economy is heavily reliant on exports, particularly garments and textiles. Other key exports include fish, agricultural products, and jute. On the import side, Bangladesh relies on fuel, machinery, and chemicals for its growing industrial base. The country has benefited from preferential trade agreements with the European Union and the United States, as well as growing relations with neighboring countries in Asia.

The government has focused on improving trade relations with China, India, and other countries in the region. Bangladesh is a member of several regional organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), which aim to enhance regional trade and cooperation.

Government

Political System

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy with a multi-party system. The President is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister holds executive powers and leads the government. The President is elected by the National Parliament for a five-year term, while the Prime Minister is the leader of the party that wins the majority of seats in the parliament.

The National Parliament of Bangladesh is unicameral and consists of 300 members. Of these, 50 seats are reserved for women, and the remaining 250 are elected directly. Parliamentary elections are held every five years, and the political system is characterized by competitive electoral politics, although political rivalry between the two dominant parties—the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—has been intense and often contentious.

Legal System

Bangladesh’s legal system is based on English common law, inherited from the colonial period when the country was part of British India. The judiciary is independent, and the legal system provides for civil, criminal, and family law procedures. Bangladesh is a signatory to various international agreements, including the United Nations’ conventions on human rights.

The legal system also incorporates Islamic law in personal matters, particularly concerning inheritance, marriage, and family law, which are governed by religious codes. The country has a robust legal infrastructure with a network of courts, including the Supreme Court, which has both Appellate and High Court divisions.

Foreign Relations

Bangladesh maintains active diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, as well as with key global powers. The country is a member of the United Nations and other international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Commonwealth of Nations, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Bangladesh’s foreign policy is focused on regional stability, economic cooperation, and addressing issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and security. The country has been an advocate for the rights of the Rohingya people and has played a significant role in hosting refugees fleeing from Myanmar’s military crackdown.

Culture

Arts and Music

Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage shaped by its history, religious diversity, and regional influences. The country has a long tradition of literature, poetry, music, and dance. Bengali literature, especially the works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, holds an important place in both regional and global literary traditions. Bengali music, both classical and folk, is an essential aspect of cultural life, and the country has a vibrant music scene.

The folk music of Bangladesh, including Baul and Bhatiali, reflects the country’s agrarian roots and spiritual traditions. Modern music in Bangladesh is also influenced by Bollywood, Western pop, and other international styles. The country’s art scene is represented by painters and sculptors who use both traditional and contemporary styles to express themes rooted in the country’s history and struggles.

Cuisine

Bangladeshi cuisine is characterized by the use of spices, rice, fish, and lentils. Rice and fish are staples of the Bangladeshi diet, and the national dish, hilsa fish curry, is a traditional favorite. The cuisine is also known for its use of mustard oil, garlic, ginger, and an array of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Popular dishes include biryani, panta bhat (fermented rice), and various types of curries.

Street food is an important part of the country’s culinary culture, with vendors selling items like fuchka (pani puri), chotpoti, and egg rolls. Sweets, particularly those made from milk, like roshogolla and chomchom, are also beloved across the country.

Festivals and Traditions

Bangladesh celebrates several cultural and religious festivals. The Bengali New Year, or Pohela Boishakh, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals, marked by colorful parades, traditional dances, and feasts. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are significant religious festivals for Muslims, while Durga Puja is a major Hindu celebration. Pohela Boishakh, which takes place in April, is a day of cultural festivities that includes the wearing of traditional clothing, street processions, and special foods.

Traditional handicrafts such as nakshi kantha (embroidered quilts) and muslin fabric are integral to the country’s cultural identity. Bangladesh also has a rich tradition of storytelling, dance, and theater that reflects the history and aspirations of its people.

Bangladesh Map