Bangladesh is a South Asian country with a parliamentary government, known for its fertile alluvial plains, high population density, and being the world’s largest delta. It is the 8th most populous country and a major global exporter of garments. Bangladesh has a tropical climate, with a large river system including the Ganges (Padma), Jamuna, and Meghna, and faces significant challenges such as climate change, corruption, and overpopulation.
Geography and environment
- Location: Situated on the Bay of Bengal, it is bordered by India on the north, east, and west, and by Myanmar on the southeast.
- Topography: The country is primarily a flat, low-lying river delta plain, though it has some hill ranges in the southeast.
- Rivers: Its landscape is dominated by the extensive river systems of the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna.
- Climate: It has a tropical monsoon climate with high temperatures, humidity, and heavy seasonal rainfall, making it vulnerable to natural disasters like floods and cyclones.
- Natural features: It is home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, and Cox’s Bazar, which features the world’s longest unbroken natural sandy sea beach.
Economy and industry
- Major industries: Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest garment exporter and a major producer of jute and aquaculture fish.
- Economic drivers: Key sources of foreign exchange include garment exports, shrimp, and remittances from citizens working abroad.
- Financial sector: It pioneered modern microcredit with institutions like BRAC.