Country Profile: Bangladesh
Bangladesh, located in Southern Asia, is a lush delta region formed by the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. With a population exceeding 174 million, the nation has experienced significant economic growth, particularly in its textile industry. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Bangladesh has a tumultuous political history featuring cycles of military and democratic rule. The country is making strides toward sustainable development and aims to exit the UN’s Least Developed Countries list by 2026.
Geography
Bangladesh is situated between Burma and India, featuring a predominantly flat alluvial plain with a tropical climate. The highest point in the country is Mowdok Taung at 1,060 meters, while the Bay of Bengal represents its lowest point at sea level. Bangladesh's landscape is characterized by its rivers and delta formations, making it prone to natural hazards such as cyclones and flooding.
- Area: 148,460 sq km
- Coastline: 580 km
- Land Boundaries: 4,413 km (India and Burma)
- Agricultural Land Usage: 72.3% (2023)
- Natural Hazards: prone to droughts and cyclones
People and Society
With an estimated population of 174 million, Bangladesh is predominantly Bengali (over 99%). The country has a youthful demographic, with about 25% of the population aged between 0-14 years. The primary language is Bangla, and the majority of the population adheres to Islam, followed by Hinduism. Urbanization is on the rise, with over 40% of the population living in urban areas.
- Population (2025 est.): 174,370,536
- Median Age: 27.8 years
- Life Expectancy: 75.2 years (2024)
- Literacy Rate: 79% (2022)
- Urban Population: 40.5% (2023)
Economy
Bangladesh has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies, primarily driven by its textile export sector. The GDP has shown consistent growth, though it faced challenges due to the decrease in foreign exchange reserves and a subsequent IMF loan request. Poverty levels have significantly declined from 11.8% in 2010 to 5.0% in 2022, reflecting a solid trajectory toward development.
- GDP (PPP 2024 est.): $1.473 trillion
- Real GDP Growth Rate: 5.8% (2023)
- Unemployment Rate: 4.7% (2024)
- Poverty Rate: 5.0% (2022)
- Exports (2024 est.): $53.848 billion
Government
The government of Bangladesh is a parliamentary republic, currently led by President Mohammad Shahabuddin and Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus. The country transitioned back to democratic rule in 2008 after years of military involvement. The political landscape features multiple parties, with significant participation from the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
- Independence Day: 16 December 1971
- Legal System: Based on common law with Islamic law for personal matters
- Suffrage: Universal for those 18 years and older
- Administrative Divisions: 8 divisions
Military and Security
Bangladesh’s military comprises the Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside various paramilitary forces. The country maintains a low military expenditure relative to GDP and has a history of engaging in international peacekeeping missions. The military also plays a significant domestic role, particularly following recent civil unrest.
- Active Military Personnel: Approximately 170,000
- Military Expenditures: 0.9% of GDP (2024)
- UN Peacekeeping Deployments: Approximately 1,400 personnel
Energy
Bangladesh has made substantial progress in energy access, with nearly the entire population electrified. The country primarily relies on fossil fuels for electricity generation, though there are plans for future nuclear capacity. Energy consumption per capita remains modest, but there is growing interest in renewable sources.
- Electricity Access: 99.4% (2022)
- Installed Energy Capacity: 22.699 million kW (2023)
- Natural Gas Production: 22.334 billion cubic meters (2023)
Environment
Environmental challenges in Bangladesh include flooding, water pollution, and soil degradation. The country actively participates in various international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to sustainable policies. Urbanization is contributing to added pressures on its natural resources.
- Total Renewable Water Resources: 1.227 trillion cubic meters (2022)
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 125.956 million metric tonnes (2023)
- Municipal Solid Waste Generated: 14.778 million tons (2024 est.)
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure includes a growing network of roads, railways, and a sizeable merchant marine sector. Bangladesh has a developing airport system and a robust system of heliports supporting both commercial and humanitarian activities.
- Railways: 2,460 km (2014)
- Airports: 17 (2025)
- Merchant Marine Fleet: 558 vessels (2023)
Communications
Bangladesh's telecommunications have expanded rapidly, with high mobile subscription rates. Internet access is steadily increasing, although significant gaps remain in broadband coverage.
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 188 million (2024)
- Internet Users: 45% of the population (2023)
- Fixed-line Telephones: 285,000 subscriptions (2024)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 174,370,536 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 148,460 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.473 trillion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 11.472 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 19.45 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 75.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 79% | 2022 estimate |
| Total Fertility Rate | 2.25 children/woman | 2025 estimate |
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