Bangladesh is a country located in South Asia, with more than 165 million people, it is one of the most populous countries in the world. Bangladesh is a country of diverse cultures, history, and natural beauty. In this post, we will explore the geography, population, economy, culture, and history of Bangladesh.
geography
The northern part of Bangladesh is hilly and mountainous, while the southern region is mostly flat, dominated by wetlands and rivers. The southeastern region is home to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which is characterized by steep mountains and dense forests. It is bordered by India to the north, east and west, and Myanmar to the southeast. With a total area of 147,600 square kilometers, the country is the 92nd largest country in the world on an area comparable to China's Liaoning Province.
Bangladesh is a lowland country with most of its land being less than 10 meters above sea level. It has a tropical monsoon climate with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The country is known for its extensive river system, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers flowing through the country, forming the world's largest delta, Sandebans. The delta region has a complex network of waterways that are essential for transportation, irrigation and fishing. The country's coastal areas are vulnerable to floods, cyclones, and storm surges, which are becoming increasingly common due to climate change.
population
As of 2021, Bangladesh's population is estimated at over 165 million, making it the eighth most populous country in the world. The country's population density is about 1110 people per square kilometer, making it one of the highest in the world. At present, the population of Bangladesh is growing at a rate of about 2 million per year. The country's population is relatively young, with about 26 per cent under the age of 15 and only about 6 per cent over the age of 65. The median age of the population is about 27 years.
Most of the population is concentrated in rural areas, with about 66 per cent living in villages and small towns. However, the urban population is growing rapidly, with more than 30 per cent of the population currently living in cities and towns. The literacy rate in Bangladesh has been steadily increasing over the years and is currently estimated at around 74 per cent. However, there is still a clear gender gap, with female literacy lagging behind male literacy.
Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country, with about 90% of the population practicing Islam. The rest of the population is predominantly Hindu (about 8%) and Buddhist (about 1%). In terms of ethnicity, the majority of the population is Bengali, with minorities including indigenous groups, Bihars and Rohingya refugees.
economy
Bangladesh is a developing country with a rapidly growing economy. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021 is estimated at around $343 billion, making it the 41st largest economy in the world. Over the past decade, the country's economy has been growing at an average rate of around 7% per year, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
However, despite its impressive economic growth, Bangladesh remains one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of per capita income. Bangladesh's per capita income in 2021 is estimated to be around $2,227, well below the global average.
Bangladesh's economy is mainly driven by its garment industry, which accounts for more than 80% of the country's exports. The country is the world's second-largest apparel exporter after China, and its garments are exported to markets around the world, including the United States, Europe, and Japan. Apart from garments, other major industries in Bangladesh include textiles, jute, leather, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
Agriculture is also the main economic industry in Bangladesh, with the majority of the population engaged in agricultural production. The country is the fourth largest rice producer in the world and is also known for jute production.
According to the World Bank, the country's poverty rate has fallen from 49 percent in 2000 to 20 percent in 2020. The country has also made significant progress in improving access to education and healthcare.
culture
The country's cultural heritage is preserved in several museums and galleries, such as the National Museum in Dhaka and the Valendra Research Museum in Rajshahi. The country also has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the historic city of Baghart and the archaeological site of Mahastangar.
The traditional dress of Bengali women is the sari, while the men wear longi or dotti. The country is also known for its hand-woven fabrics, including tulle, silk, and gyndani (a fine cotton textile type).
The country's cuisine is known for its use of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili peppers, as well as its rich and delicious curries. Rice is a staple food in Bangladesh, and the country is also known for its wide variety of fish dishes, which are popular in coastal areas.
Traditional festivals in the country, including Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Bodhisattva Day, which celebrates the Hindu goddess Durga.
history
In ancient times, Bangladesh was originally part of the Maori Empire and the Gupta Empire. Later, it was ruled by several dynasties such as Pala, Sena and Deva dynasties. In the 13th century, it was conquered by the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. The British East India Company controlled Bengal in the 18th century and ruled until India's independence in 1947.
After the partition of India, Bengal was divided into two parts, East Pakistan in the east and West Pakistan in the west. The predominantly Bengali people of East Pakistan face discrimination from the West Pakistani government, which is dominated by an Urdu-speaking elite. Finally, in 1971, Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan.