Country Profile: Bangladesh

Bangladesh, located in southern Asia, is characterized by its position in the fertile delta formed by the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems. With a population estimated at over 174 million, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The nation's economy has shown remarkable growth, averaging 6.25% annually for two decades, primarily driven by the textile industry. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Bangladesh has a history of political turmoil, including military coups and a recent transition to interim governance amid public unrest.

Geography

Bangladesh is situated in southern Asia, bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the south, with India and Burma (Myanmar) as its neighbors. The country has a total area of approximately 148,460 square kilometers, featuring mostly flat alluvial plains and some hilly regions in the southeast. Its tropical climate includes a humid summer and a monsoon season that causes widespread flooding.

Area: 148,460 sq km
Coastline: 580 km
Elevation: Highest point at 1,060 m (Mowdok Taung)
Natural Hazards: Cyclones and seasonal inundation during monsoons
Land Use: 72.3% agricultural land (2023 est.)

People and Society

As of 2025, Bangladesh has a projected population of approximately 174.4 million, predominantly Bengali (over 99%). The country has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 27.8 years. The society is predominantly Muslim (91%), with a significant Hindu minority (8%). The literacy rate is around 79%, with increasing educational investments.

Population Growth Rate: 0.91% (2025 est.)
Urban Population: 40.5% of total (2023)
Life Expectancy: 75.2 years (2024 est.)
Median Age: 27.8 years (2025 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Economy

Bangladesh's economy is one of the fastest-growing in the world, recovering strongly from the impacts of COVID-19. The GDP based on purchasing power parity is approximated at $1.473 trillion for 2024, with significant contributions from agriculture, textile exports, and remittances. Despite this growth, challenges such as inflation and declining foreign reserves persist.

GDP (PPP): $1.473 trillion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 4.2% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 4.7% (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: 18.7% below the national poverty line (2022 est.)
Exports: $53.848 billion (2024 est.)

Government

Bangladesh operates as a parliamentary republic, with significant political history marked by coups and democratic transitions. The current president is Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppi, and the interim prime minister is Muhammad Yunus. The legal system is based on common law, with provisions for Islamic and Hindu personal laws.

Capital: Dhaka
Independence Day: December 16, 1971
Administrative Divisions: 8 divisions
Voting Age: 18 years
Last Election: February 13, 2023

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Bangladesh include the army, navy, and air force. The country has significant military capabilities, partaking in various international peacekeeping missions. In recent events, the military has assumed law enforcement roles amid civil unrest.

Active Personnel: Approx. 170,000 (2025)
Military Expenditures: 0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Deployments: Approximately 3,800 personnel abroad (2024)
Military Equipment: Primarily from China and Russia
Internal Security: Includes paramilitary organizations like the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)

Energy

Bangladesh aims to enhance its energy sector, with over 99% of the population having access to electricity. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels, accounting for approximately 98.4% of its installed energy capacity. There are ongoing initiatives to diversify into renewable energy sources.

Electricity Access: 99.4% (2022 est.)
Installed Capacity: 22.699 million kW (2023 est.)
Energy Consumption: 11.472 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Production: 22.334 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Nuclear Projects: 2 reactors under construction (2025)

Environment

Bangladesh faces several environmental challenges, including flooding, water pollution, and soil degradation. Rapid urbanization and population density exacerbate these issues. The country is also a signatory to multiple international environmental agreements.

Total Water Resources: 1.227 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 125.956 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Urban Population: 40.5% as of 2023
Deforestation Issues: High rates due to agricultural expansion
Recycling Rate: 15.7% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)

Transportation

Bangladesh has a developing transportation infrastructure, with significant investments in road and rail networks. The country has a total of 17 airports and 2 major ports, facilitating both domestic and international trade.

Railways: 2,460 km (2014)
Airports: 17 (2025)
Merchant Marine: 558 vessels (2023)
Ports: Key ports include Chittagong and Mongla
Heliports: 36 (2025)

Communications

The telecommunications sector in Bangladesh has seen rapid growth, with high mobile cellular subscription rates. The internet penetration rate is on the rise, with nearly half of the population expected to be users by 2023.

Mobile Subscriptions: 188 million (2024 est.)
Internet Users: 45% of the population (2023 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 12.9 million (2023 est.)
Telephones (Fixed Lines): 285,000 (2024 est.)
Broadcast Media: State-owned and private channels available

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	174,370,536 (2025 est.)
Area	148,460 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.473 trillion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	11.472 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	19.45 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	4.7% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	75.2 years (2024 est.)
Urbanization	40.5% of total population (2023)
Maternal Mortality Ratio	115 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Literacy Rate	79% (2022 est.)