Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a densely populated South Asian nation situated on the fertile delta of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. Current estimates place the population at approximately 178 million people, while the GDP per capita is projected at 2,817 USD. It is a major regional player with a growing industrial base and a significant role in global textile manufacturing.
Where is Bangladesh?
Bangladesh
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Bangladesh
- Coordinates
- 24.00°, 90.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 178M
- Area
- 147,570 km²
- Density per km²
- 1,205 / km²
- Growth rate
- +1.21%
- Annual growth
- +2.2M people
- Daily growth
- +5.9K people
- World population share
- 2.19%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Bangladesh
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Dhaka
- Region
- Asia
- Area
- 147,570 km²
- Languages
- Bengali
- Currency
- Bangladeshi taka (৳)
- Timezones
- UTC+06:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The economy is currently expanding at an annual rate of 4.22%, supported by a robust garment export sector and increasing remittances. According to the latest ranking, Bangladesh holds the 35th position globally for nominal GDP and ranks 15th in Asia. While the unemployment rate remains relatively low at 3.78%, the country faces development challenges, placing 162nd globally in GDP per capita. Natural resources such as natural gas and fertile arable land continue to underpin its agricultural and industrial sectors.
Society
Social indicators reflect steady progress, with life expectancy now reaching 74.93 years, which ranks 105th globally. The adult literacy rate stands at 79%, placing the nation 121st among 170 countries according to recent data. Although digital infrastructure is expanding rapidly, internet users currently account for 53.42% of the population, a figure that ranks 161st globally. These metrics demonstrate significant improvements in public health and education since the nation gained independence in 1971.
Climate & Environment
Bangladesh experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by high temperatures and heavy seasonal rainfall during the summer months. Its low-lying topography on the world's largest river delta makes it highly susceptible to flooding and cyclones from the Bay of Bengal. The environment is defined by its vast river systems, which provide fertile soil for farming but also necessitate complex water management strategies.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- parliamentary republic
- Independence
- 1971-12-16 (Pakistan)
Bangladesh operates as a parliamentary republic, a system where the Prime Minister serves as the head of government and holds primary executive authority. The President acts as the ceremonial head of state, elected by the national legislature. The legislative branch, known as the Jatiya Sangsad or House of the Nation, is a unicameral body consisting of 350 members; 300 are directly elected from territorial constituencies, while 50 seats are reserved for women. The legal framework is based on a written constitution that emphasizes four fundamental principles: nationalism, democracy, socialism, and secularism, though Islam is recognized as the state religion. The judiciary is headed by the Supreme Court, which is divided into the High Court Division and the Appellate Division. Administratively, the country is divided into eight divisions, each further subdivided into districts to facilitate local governance and service delivery across its densely populated regions.
History
The history of Bangladesh is rooted in the ancient region of Bengal, which was a prosperous center of trade under various dynasties, including the Gange, Maurya, and Gupta empires. By the 16th century, the region became a wealthy province of the Mughal Empire, often described as the 'Paradise of Nations' for its immense agricultural and textile wealth. British colonial rule began following the Battle of Plassey in 1757 and lasted nearly two centuries. When British India was partitioned in 1947, the region became East Pakistan, geographically separated from West Pakistan by 1600 km (994 mi) of Indian territory. Tensions regarding language, culture, and political representation led to the historic Language Movement in 1952 and eventually a full-scale struggle for autonomy. The Bangladesh Liberation War erupted in March 1971, culminating in a decisive victory and formal independence from Pakistan on 16 December 1971. In the decades since, the nation has transitioned through periods of military rule and political upheaval to establish a parliamentary democracy. Modern development has been characterized by significant improvements in social indicators, including a literacy rate that has reached 79%, and a remarkable transformation into a global manufacturing hub despite frequent challenges from natural disasters and political volatility.
Notable Facts
- Bangladesh is home to Cox's Bazar, which is the world longest natural sandy sea beach, stretching approximately 120 km (75 mi) along the Bay of Bengal.
- The country hosts the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest on Earth, covering about 10000 km2 (3861 sq mi) and serving as a critical habitat for the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger.
- The capital city, Dhaka, is often called the 'Rickshaw Capital of the World' due to the hundreds of thousands of cycle rickshaws that navigate its streets daily.
- The nation is defined by its massive river network, featuring over 700 rivers that create the largest delta system in the world, the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta.
- With a projected 2026 population of approximately 178 million people, Bangladesh is the 8th most populous country globally and has one of the highest population densities in the world.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Mowdok Taung (1,060 m)
- Lowest Point
- Bay of Bengal (0 m)
- Coastline
- 580 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in BangladeshExplore weather and climate data for cities in Bangladesh
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Dhaka
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January best | 24°C / 14°C | 25°C / 14°C | 2days (6 mm) Excellent | 9.7h Good | 82% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| February best | 28°C / 16°C | 29°C / 17°C | 2days (13 mm) Excellent | 10.4h Excellent | 74% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| March | 32°C / 21°C | 35°C / 24°C | 6days (35 mm) Good | 11.2h Excellent | 71% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| April | 35°C / 25°C | 39°C / 29°C | 10days (101 mm) Wet | 11.1h Excellent | 73% Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| May | 33°C / 26°C | 39°C / 30°C | 21days (294 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 79% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June | 32°C / 27°C | 39°C / 33°C | 26days (314 mm) Wet | 7.5h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July | 33°C / 27°C | 39°C / 33°C | 25days (281 mm) Wet | 8.1h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| August | 32°C / 27°C | 39°C / 33°C | 26days (318 mm) Wet | 7.5h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| September | 33°C / 27°C | 40°C / 33°C | 24days (235 mm) Wet | 8.9h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| October | 32°C / 25°C | 38°C / 31°C | 15days (166 mm) Wet | 9.1h Good | 83% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| November best | 30°C / 20°C | 33°C / 22°C | 2days (27 mm) Excellent | 10.1h Excellent | 78% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| December best | 26°C / 15°C | 27°C / 16°C | 1days (27 mm) Excellent | 9.5h Good | 81% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 24°C / 14°C . Feb: 28°C / 16°C . Mar: 32°C / 21°C . Apr: 35°C / 25°C . May: 33°C / 26°C . Jun: 32°C / 27°C . Jul: 33°C / 27°C . Aug: 32°C / 27°C . Sep: 33°C / 27°C . Oct: 32°C / 25°C . Nov: 30°C / 20°C . Dec: 26°C / 15°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 6 mm. Feb: 13 mm. Mar: 35 mm. Apr: 101 mm. May: 294 mm. Jun: 314 mm. Jul: 281 mm. Aug: 318 mm. Sep: 235 mm. Oct: 166 mm. Nov: 27 mm. Dec: 27 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Bangladesh is approximately 178M (2024).
The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka.
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is $2.8K (2024).
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.93 years (2024).
Bangladesh covers 147,570 km² (56,977 sq mi).
Bangladesh is very densely populated, with 1,205 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.
Bangladesh's population is growing steadily at 1.2% per year, in line with global averages.
Based on GDP per capita, Bangladesh falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $2.8K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Bangladesh reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.3 per 100,000 people, below the global average.
The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali.
Bangladesh uses the Bangladeshi taka (৳) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Bangladesh are January, February, November, December, based on climate data for the capital.
Recent estimates indicate that the population of Bangladesh is approximately 178 million people. This makes it one of the most densely populated nations on earth, with about 1,368 people per km² (3,543 per sq mi). Globally, the country holds the 8th largest population and ranks 5th within Asia.
The total GDP of Bangladesh is approximately 450 billion USD, representing one of the largest economies in South Asia. Current data shows an annual GDP growth rate of 4.22%, with the country ranking 35th globally in terms of nominal GDP. However, it ranks 162nd for GDP per capita at 2,817 USD.
Bengali is the official language and is spoken by at least 99% of the population. In terms of religion, the country is majority Muslim at 91%, with a significant Hindu minority of 8%. Other groups, including Buddhists and Christians, make up the remaining 1% of the population.
Recent data shows that 53.42% of the population in Bangladesh uses the internet, which equates to over 92 million people. Despite this large user base, the country ranks 161st globally for internet penetration as a percentage of the total population. Mobile networks remain the primary way most citizens connect.
The adult literacy rate in Bangladesh is currently 79%, placing the country 121st out of 170 nations ranked globally. Educational reforms and a focus on universal primary schooling have contributed to this level. There remains a continued national effort to bridge the literacy gap between urban and rural regions.
Bangladesh covers a total land area of 147,570 km² (56,977 sq mi). Due to its large population of approximately 178 million, it has an extremely high population density of about 1,368 people per km² (3,543 per sq mi). This density is among the highest in the world for any non-city-state.
The estimated 2026 population density is 1,367.8 people per km² (3,542.6 sq mi), ranking 9th globally. This high concentration of people is a result of the country's relatively small land area of 147,570 km² (56,977 sq mi) and its highly fertile, habitable deltaic plains that support large communities.
According to the latest ranking, Bangladesh is the 8th most populous country globally out of 215 nations. Regionally, it ranks 5th in Asia and 3rd in Southern Asia. This high global standing is remarkable given its geographic size, as it accommodates more residents than much larger countries like Russia.
The population of Bangladesh is currently increasing at an annual growth rate of 1.21%. Recent estimates show a net gain of approximately 5,776 people per day. While the growth rate has slowed significantly since the late 20th century, the total population is projected to continue rising for several decades.
The latest official 2024 data shows a fertility rate of 2.1 births per woman. This is a crucial milestone, as it matches the replacement level fertility rate. This shift from higher rates in previous decades indicates that the nation is moving toward long-term population stabilization and demographic maturity.
Approximately 32.7% of the population lives in urban areas, according to recent estimates. While this ranks the country 186th globally for urbanization, the urban population is growing rapidly. Millions of people continue to migrate from rural districts to major metropolitan centers like Dhaka in search of economic opportunities.
All Indicators
Explore Bangladesh's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
Military & Security
Infrastructure
Geography
Last updated: