Country Profile: Bangladesh

Bangladesh, located in Southern Asia at the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems, is a densely populated country with a diverse landscape of flat alluvial plains and hilly regions. The nation, which gained independence from Pakistan in 1971, has a population of approximately 168 million people, predominantly Bengali Muslims. Economically, Bangladesh has experienced significant growth, primarily driven by its textile industry, and has seen a notable reduction in poverty over recent years. The government operates as a parliamentary republic, with a history marked by political turbulence but currently under stable leadership.

Geography

Bangladesh is situated in Southern Asia, bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the south and neighboring India and Burma to the west and east, respectively. The country covers an area of 148,460 square kilometers, primarily consisting of flat alluvial plains with notable hilly regions in the southeast. Bangladesh has a tropical climate characterized by a mild winter and a warm rainy monsoon season.

Total Area: 148,460 sq km
Land Borders: 4,413 km (Burma: 271 km; India: 4,142 km)
Coastline: 580 km
Highest Point: Mowdok Taung at 1,060 m

People and Society

With an estimated population of 168.7 million in 2024, Bangladesh ranks as one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The majority of the population is ethnically Bengali (over 99%), with a small percentage of indigenous groups. The country has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 29.6 years, and the majority of its citizens practice Islam (91%).

Population (2024 est.): 168,697,184
Urbanization Rate: 40.5% (2023)
Literacy Rate: 79% (2022)
Life Expectancy: 75.2 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Bangladesh's economy has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing in the emerging markets, with a real GDP of approximately $1.473 trillion (PPP) estimated for 2024. The economy has shown resilience during the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet it faces challenges with declining foreign exchange reserves and a request for an IMF loan in 2022. The textile industry remains the backbone of its export economy.

GDP Growth Rate: 4.2% (2024 est.)
GDP per Capita (PPP): $8,500 (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: 18.7% (2022 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 4.7% (2024 est.)

Government

The People's Republic of Bangladesh operates as a parliamentary republic. It has undergone significant political changes since its independence, with the Awami League currently leading under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The government consists of various administrative divisions and a legal system that incorporates aspects of English common law and Islamic law.

Capital: Dhaka
Government Type: Parliamentary Republic
Suffrage Age: 18 years
Most Recent Election: February 13, 2023

Military and Security

The military of Bangladesh, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, plays a crucial role in national defense and internal security. Approximately 170,000 personnel are active in the armed forces, with the country being a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Military Expenditure: 0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active Personnel: ~170,000 (2025 est.)
Military Deployments: ~6,000 personnel in UN missions (2024)

Energy

Bangladesh's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which constitute over 98% of its installed electricity generation capacity. The government aims to expand its electricity access, which currently stands at 99.4%, and is investing in renewable energy sources.

Electricity Access: 99.4% (2022 est.)
Installed Generating Capacity: 22.699 million kW (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Production: 22.334 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

The country faces significant environmental challenges, including flooding, water pollution, and deforestation. Bangladesh is actively involved in several international environmental agreements, aiming to address climate change and promote biodiversity.

Urban Population: 40.5% (2023)
Major Environmental Issues: Flooding, water pollution, and deforestation
Total Renewable Water Resources: 1.23 trillion cubic meters (2020 est.)

Transportation

Bangladesh has a developing transportation infrastructure, with a national railway system and a growing number of airports and heliports. The country's merchant marine fleet allows for significant cargo transport, particularly through its key ports.

Airports: 17 (2025)
Total Railways: 2,460 km (2014)
Merchant Marine: 558 vessels (2023)

Communications

The telecommunications sector in Bangladesh has seen rapid growth, particularly in mobile cellular subscriptions, which exceed 191 million. The internet penetration rate stands at approximately 45% as of 2023, aiding in the development of the digital economy.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 191 million (2023)
Internet Users: 45% of the population (2023)
Broadcast Media: 41 approved TV stations

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	168,697,184 (2024 est.)
Area	148,460 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.473 trillion	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	11.472 million Btu	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	17.3 births/1,000	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	(2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	79%	(2022 est.)
Life Expectancy	75.2 years	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	99.4%	(2022 est.)
Natural Gas Production	22.334 billion cubic meters	(2023 est.)