Bangladesh country profile

Bangladesh country profile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Bangladesh is one of the world's most densely populated countries, with its people crammed into a delta of rivers that empties into the Bay of Bengal. 

Poverty is deep and widespread, but Bangladesh has in recent years reduced population growth and improved health and education.

Formerly East Pakistan, Bangladesh came into being only in 1971, when the two parts of Pakistan split after a bitter war which drew in neighbouring India.

Bangladesh spent 15 years under military rule and, although democracy was restored in 1990, the political scene remains volatile.

Islamist extremism has been rising in the usually tolerant country.

The low-lying country is vulnerable to flooding and cyclones, and stands to be badly affected by any rises in sea levels.

People's Republic of Bangladesh

Capital: Dhaka

• Population 152.4 million
  
• Area 143,998 sq km (55,598 sq miles)
  
• Major language Bengali
  
• Major religion Islam, Hinduism
  
• Life expectancy 69 years (men), 70 years (women)
  
• Currency- Taka
    

President: Abdul Hamid
Abdul Hamid, formerly the Speaker of parliament, was elected unopposed to the ceremonial post in 2013.

 

 

 

 

Prime minister: Sheikh Hasina