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About Bangladesh

Bangladesh is located in South Asia, bordered by India on three sides and Myanmar to the southeast, with the Bay of Bengal to the south. Despite being one of the world's most densely populated countries with over 175 million people in an area of just 148,460 square kilometers, Bangladesh has experienced remarkable economic growth in recent decades. The country sits largely on the fertile deltaic plains formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, creating one of the most productive agricultural regions in Asia.

Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 after a liberation war, establishing itself as a parliamentary democracy. The nation has a rich cultural heritage rooted in Bengal's long history of literature, music, and art. Bengali is the official language and a source of national pride, having played a central role in the independence movement. Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by about 90% of the population, with Hinduism being the largest minority faith. Bangladesh is known for its vibrant traditions including classical music, folk arts, and colorful festivals like Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year).

The geography of Bangladesh is characterized by low-lying river deltas, extensive wetlands, and the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, home to the Royal Bengal tiger. The country faces significant challenges from tropical cyclones, flooding, and climate change due to its low elevation and coastal exposure. The monsoon climate brings heavy rainfall from June to October, which while supporting agriculture, also causes frequent flooding. The Chittagong Hill Tracts in the southeast provide the only significant hilly terrain in this predominantly flat nation.

Bangladesh has emerged as a major player in the global textile and garment industry, being the second-largest apparel exporter worldwide. The economy also relies heavily on agriculture, particularly rice cultivation and jute production, along with a growing service sector and remittances from overseas workers. Dhaka, the capital and largest city, is a bustling metropolis and economic engine, while other major cities include Chittagong (the main port), Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, each contributing to Bangladesh's rapid industrialization and urban development.

Major Cities

• Dhaka - The capital and largest city with 10.2 million people (22 million metro), Bangladesh's political, economic, and cultural center
• Chittagong - The country's main seaport with 5.2 million people, handling 80% of Bangladesh's international trade
• Khulna - The third-largest city with 1.4 million people, an industrial hub near the Sundarbans mangrove forest
• Rajshahi - Northern Bangladesh's major city with 850,000 people, known for silk production and mango cultivation
• Sylhet - Northeastern city with 530,000 people, famous for tea gardens and spiritual tourism

Interesting Facts

• Bangladesh is the world's most densely populated large country with over 1,183 people per square kilometer
• The Sundarbans, shared with India, is the world's largest mangrove forest and home to the endangered Royal Bengal tiger
• Bangladesh is the world's second-largest producer of ready-made garments, employing over 4 million workers
• The country has more rivers than any other nation of its size, with about 700 rivers creating a vast delta network
• Bengali Language Movement Day (February 21) is recognized as International Mother Language Day by UNESCO
• Bangladesh's microfinance model pioneered by Grameen Bank and Muhammad Yunus won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize