Discovering Bangladesh: Geography, History, and Climate
Md. Saiful Islam Khan
What is the predominant ethnic group in Bangladesh?
Bengalis
What is the official language of Bangladesh?
Bangla (Bengali)
What is the smallest rural administrative unit in Bangladesh?
Union Council (or Union Parishad)
What type of climate does Bangladesh have?
Subtropical monsoon climate
What is the full name of Bangladesh?
People's Republic of Bangladesh
What are the geographical coordinates of Bangladesh?
23.6850° N, 90.3563° E
What significant change occurred in Bangladesh's political status on March 26, 1971?
Bangladesh declared independence from Pakistan.
How many principal administrative divisions does Bangladesh have?
Eight
What was the population growth rate of Bangladesh as of the latest data?
1.22%
What was the poverty rate in Bangladesh as per the latest data from 2022?
18.7%
When did Bangladesh achieve lower middle-income country status?
In 2015
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Description
Explore Bangladesh's rich history, geographical features, and subtropical monsoon climate. Learn about its administrative structure, population, and the impact of natural calamities on this vibrant South Asian nation.
Questions
Download Questions1. What is the official language of Bangladesh?
2. Which month is the warmest in most parts of Bangladesh?
3. What is the population growth rate of Bangladesh as of recent data?
4. Which administrative unit is the smallest rural local government unit in Bangladesh?
5. What natural calamity affects Bangladesh almost every year?
Study Notes
Overview of Bangladesh: Geography, History, and Economic Progress
Bangladesh, located in southern Asia, is a densely populated country with a rich cultural heritage and a significant history of political transformation. This overview highlights its geographical features, historical context, administrative structure, demographics, and economic advancements.
Geography and Climate
- Location: Bangladesh is situated in the northeastern part of the Indian subcontinent, bordered by India and Myanmar, with the Bay of Bengal to the south.
- Landscape: Covering 148,460 square kilometers, it features a deltaic landscape prone to flooding, with major river systems fed by the Himalayas.
- Climate: The country experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons: hot summer, rainy monsoon, and cool winter. It is also vulnerable to natural disasters like floods and cyclones.
Historical Context
- Cultural Heritage: Bangladesh shares a rich cultural background with West Bengal, influencing its identity.
- Transition to Independence: From 1947 to 1971, it was known as East Pakistan. The declaration of independence on March 26, 1971, led to the Liberation War, culminating in independence on December 16, 1971.
Administrative Structure
- Divisions and Districts: Bangladesh is divided into eight divisions and 64 districts, further subdivided into upazilas (sub-districts) and thanas (police precincts).
- Local Governance: Municipal corporations manage urban areas, while Union Councils serve rural communities, ensuring localized governance.
Demographics
- Population: As of 2024, the population is approximately 173.6 million, making it one of the most densely populated countries globally.
- Ethnic Composition: Predominantly Bengali (98%), with various tribal groups contributing to cultural diversity. Bangla is the official language, with English used in formal contexts.
- Religious Landscape: The majority are Muslim (88-89%), followed by Hindus (9-10%), with smaller communities of Buddhists and Christians.
Economic Progress
- Growth Rate: Bangladesh has seen significant economic growth since 1971, averaging 6% in 2023. The country has made strides in poverty reduction, with the national poverty rate decreasing from 31.5% in 2010 to 18.7% in 2022.
- LDC Graduation: In 2018, Bangladesh met the criteria for graduation from the United Nations' Least Developed Countries (LDC) list and aims for official graduation by 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Bangladesh's geographical features contribute to its vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters.
- The country's rich history of cultural heritage and political transformation shapes its national identity.
- Economic growth and poverty reduction efforts have positioned Bangladesh for potential graduation from LDC status by 2024.