Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a sovereign state in South Asia occupying the fertile delta of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system. It is bordered by India to the west, north, and east, by Myanmar to the southeast, and by the Bay of Bengal to the south. Its capital and largest city is Dhaka. The country has a population of about 170 million, making it one of the most densely populated nations. The official language is Bengali (Bangla).

Bangladesh is a unitary parliamentary republic. The President is the ceremonial head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The national legislature is Jatiya Sangsad, a unicameral body with 350 seats (300 elected, 50 reserved for women). The constitution was adopted in 1972 following independence from Pakistan in 1971 after a liberation war supported by India.

Economy: Bangladesh has a developing market economy with strong growth in recent decades. It relies heavily on garment manufacturing for exports, alongside agriculture, remittances, and services. Major crops include rice and jute. The country has made progress in health and education but faces challenges from climate vulnerability and infrastructure needs. Bangladeshi growth benefits from openness to trade and a large labor force, and it is a significant recipient of remittances and a growing hub for regional logistics.

Geography and environment: Much of the land is low-lying deltaic plain with many rivers and seasonal flooding. The Sundarbans mangrove forest, shared with India, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key ecological area. Climate is tropical monsoon; the country is prone to cyclones and flooding, and sea level rise poses long-term risks.

Culture and society: Bengali culture, literature, music, and festivals such as Pahela Baishakh, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Durga Puja shape national life. Bangladesh is active in international affairs, including UN peacekeeping and regional cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC.