Country Profile: Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a rapidly developing country located in Southern Asia, bordered by the Bay of Bengal, India, and Myanmar. With a population of over 174 million, it stands as one of the most densely populated nations globally. The country has seen impressive economic growth over the past two decades, with a focus on its burgeoning textile industry. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Bangladesh has undergone significant political changes since its independence in 1971, balancing democratic governance with military influence.

Geography

Bangladesh is situated in the tropical delta region formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. It covers an area of approximately 148,460 sq km, making it slightly larger than Pennsylvania and New Jersey combined. The country's terrain is predominantly flat, characterized by extensive floodplains, while its climate varies from mild winters to hot, humid summers.

4,413 km of land boundaries shared with India and Myanmar
580 km of coastline along the Bay of Bengal
72.3% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
The highest point is Mowdok Taung at 1,060 m
Major rivers include the Brahmaputra (3,969 km) and Ganges (2,704 km)

People and Society

With an estimated population of 174.4 million in 2025, Bangladesh is primarily home to the Bengali ethnic group, who make up over 99% of the population. The country has a diverse religious landscape, with 91% of the population identifying as Muslim and 8% as Hindu. The median age is 27.8 years, and the society is experiencing a gradual shift toward urbanization, with 40.5% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023.

25.1% of the population is aged 0-14 years
Life expectancy stands at 75.2 years (2024 est.)
79% literacy rate (2022 est.)
19.45 births/1,000 population birth rate (2025 est.)
3.5% of household income goes to the lowest 10% of the population (2022 est.)

Economy

Bangladesh is recognized as one of the fastest-growing emerging market economies, boasting an annual average GDP growth rate of around 6.25% over the last two decades. Economic recovery post-COVID-19 has been notable, yet challenges like declining foreign exchange reserves persist. As of 2024, its GDP (PPP) is estimated at $1.473 trillion.

4.7% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
7.1% GDP growth rate for 2022
$53.848 billion in exports expected for 2024
Agricultural products contribute 11.2% to GDP (2024 est.)
18.7% of the population lives below the poverty line (2022 est.)

Government

The People's Republic of Bangladesh operates as a parliamentary republic, with its capital in Dhaka. The political landscape has seen significant upheaval, particularly in 2024 when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled amid protests. As of August 2024, Muhammad Yunus serves as the interim Prime Minister.

8 administrative divisions in the country
Elected presidency with a 5-year term
The latest constitution was enacted on 4 November 1972
Suffrage is granted to citizens aged 18 and older
Bangladesh became independent on 16 December 1971

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Bangladesh consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supplemented by various paramilitary units for internal security. Military expenditures accounted for 0.9% of GDP in 2024, indicating a focus on defense despite domestic challenges. The country has a notable history of participation in UN peacekeeping missions.

Approximately 170,000 active military personnel
Involvement in peacekeeping missions in countries like Central African Republic and South Sudan
1.4 million personnel deployed for UN peacekeeping (2024)
Military primarily uses equipment from China and Russia, with recent diversification in suppliers
The military plays a significant role in domestic security following civil unrest in 2024

Energy

Electricity access in Bangladesh is high, with 99.4% of the population electrified as of 2022. The country's energy consumption relies heavily on fossil fuels, and it aims to diversify its energy sources.

22.699 million kW of installed electricity generation capacity (2023 est.)
98.4% of electricity comes from fossil fuels
14.05 million metric tons of coal consumed (2023 est.)
Total renewable water resources estimated at 1.227 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
263,000 bbl/day of refined petroleum consumed (2023 est.)

Environment

Bangladesh faces various environmental challenges, including flooding and water pollution from agricultural practices. The country is committed to several international environmental accords aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity.

72.3% of land is used for agriculture (2023 est.)
The annual municipal solid waste generated is approximately 14.778 million tons (2024 est.)
125.956 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
3.6 billion cubic meters of municipal water withdrawal (2022 est.)
Participates in 16 international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Bangladesh includes an extensive railway network and a growing number of airports and heliports. The country supports a merchant marine fleet for trade and transportation.

Total railways span 2,460 km
17 airports in operation (2025)
558 vessels in the merchant marine fleet (2023)
Key ports include Chittagong and Mongla
36 heliports available (2025)

Communications

Bangladesh's communication sector has seen significant growth, with a high penetration of mobile cellular subscriptions. The internet use is expanding, although still limited compared to global averages.

188 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
45% of the population are internet users (2023 est.)
12.9 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)
Total fixed line subscriptions are around 285,000 (2024 est.)
41 approved TV stations, with 26 currently broadcasting

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	174,370,536 (2025 est.)	Estimated total population
Area	148,460 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$1.473 trillion (2024 est.)	Estimated GDP at purchasing power parity
Energy Consumption per Capita	11.472 million Btu/person (2023 est.)	Total energy consumption
Birth Rate	19.45 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)	Estimated birth rate
Unemployment Rate	4.7% (2024 est.)	Percentage of labor force seeking employment
Life Expectancy	75.2 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy at birth
Literacy Rate	79% (2022 est.)	Literacy rate of total population
Urban Population	40.5% (2023)	Percentage of population living in urban areas
Military Expenditure	0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)	Military spending as percentage of GDP