Core Facts / Infobox

Present this as a clean two-column table containing accurate and verified national facts. Include only fields with real data.

Geography & Environment

• Bangladesh is located in South Asia, bordered by India on three sides, Myanmar to the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the south.
• The country is mostly low-lying delta land formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.
• It features fertile plains, mangrove forests, coastal wetlands, and river systems.
• The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
• Climate: tropical monsoon with hot summers, heavy rains, and mild winters.
• Best time to visit: November to February.
• Environmental challenges: flooding, cyclones, rising sea levels, riverbank erosion, and pollution.
• Important national parks: Sundarbans National Park, Lawachara National Park, Satchari National Park.

Demographics

• Total population: ~173 million.
• Median age: ~28 years.
• Urban vs rural: ~40% urban, ~60% rural.
• Main ethnic group: Bengali (98%+), with minority groups including Chakma, Marma, Garo, and others.
• Major religion: Islam (majority), followed by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity.
• Literacy rate: ~75%.
• Major cities: Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barisal.

History

• Bangladesh’s early history includes ancient Bengal kingdoms and Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic empires.
• The region became part of British India in the 18th century.
• In 1947, East Bengal became East Pakistan after the partition of India.
• The Bengali independence movement grew due to political and economic disparities.
• Bangladesh declared independence on 26 March 1971 after the Liberation War.
• Post-independence periods saw political transitions, natural disasters, and rapid development.
• Today, Bangladesh is a fast-growing economy with improved social indicators.

Government & Politics

• Government type: Unitary parliamentary republic.
• Executive: Prime Minister (head of government) and President (ceremonial head of state).
• Legislature: Jatiya Sangsad (unicameral parliament).
• Judiciary: independent system headed by the Supreme Court.
• Administrative divisions: 8 divisions, 64 districts.
• Major political issues: governance reforms, climate adaptation, urbanization, and economic expansion.
• Bangladesh is an active member of the UN, SAARC, OIC, BIMSTEC, and Commonwealth.

Economy

• Bangladesh is one of South Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
• Major industries: textiles & garments, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, leather, and IT services.
• Main exports: ready-made garments, leather goods, seafood, jute products.
• Main imports: machinery, petroleum, chemicals, food commodities.
• Strengths: low-cost labor, strong textile sector, large workforce.
• Weaknesses: infrastructure gaps, reliance on garments, energy challenges.
• Economic sectors: Services (~52%), Industry (~29%), Agriculture (~14%).
• Remittances play a major role in economic stability.

Culture & Society

• Bangladesh has a rich Bengali cultural heritage rooted in literature, music, and festivals.
• Important cultural events: Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Durga Puja, Eid festivals, Language Movement Day.
• Traditional dress: Saree, Salwar Kameez, Panjabi, and Lungi.
• Arts include classical music, Baul folk music, poetry, drama, and handicrafts.
• Bengali is the national language and a major part of the cultural identity.

Food & Cuisine

• National dish: Biryani (popular in Dhaka and Chittagong styles).
• Iconic dishes: Hilsa Fish Curry, Panta Bhat, Kacchi Biryani, Dal, Bhuna Khichuri.
• Popular street foods: Fuchka (Pani Puri), Chotpoti, Jhalmuri, Haleem.
• Beverages: Tea, Lassi, sugarcane juice, coconut water.
• Cuisine is rice-based with strong fish, lentils, and spice traditions.

Education & Institutions

• Bangladesh has a large and improving education sector.
• Medium of instruction: Bengali; English widely taught.
• Literacy rate: ~75%.
• Top universities: University of Dhaka, BUET, North South University, Chittagong University.
• Strong fields: engineering, medicine, agriculture, textiles, IT.

Tourism

• Top destinations: Cox’s Bazar (world’s longest natural beach), Sundarbans, Dhaka, Sylhet tea gardens, Bandarban.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Sundarbans, Sixty Dome Mosque, Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur.
• Natural attractions: hills of Chittagong, rivers, beaches, mangrove forests.
• Historical landmarks: Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Somapura Mahavihara.
• Adventure tourism: trekking in Bandarban, river cruising, wildlife tours.
• Visa: visa on arrival for many nationalities.
• Transport: widespread bus network, domestic flights, ferries, railways.

Practical Information

• Safety: generally safe but crowded cities require caution.
• Healthcare: good in major cities; limited in rural areas.
• Emergency numbers: Police 999, Fire 199, Ambulance 199.
• Plug type: C & D; Voltage: 220V.
• Internet: widely available; 4G coverage in most regions.
• Best time to visit: November–February.
• Budget: very affordable for travelers.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

• National sport: Kabaddi; most popular sport: Cricket.
• Famous athletes: Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mashrafe Mortaza.
• Notable writers: Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam.
• Famous musicians: Lalon Shah, Runa Laila, Ayub Bachchu.
• Actors: Shabana, Salman Shah, Jaya Ahsan.
• Nobel Prize winners: Muhammad Yunus (Peace Prize).

Neighboring Countries of Bangladesh

Bangladesh shares land borders with the following countries:

• 4,096 km with India
• 271 km with Myanmar

Famous For

• Royal Bengal Tiger and the Sundarbans.
• Cox’s Bazar — world’s longest sea beach.
• Bengali culture and literature.
• Rivers and lush greenery.
• Ready-made garments industry.
• Biryani and rich cuisine.
• Tea plantations of Sylhet.
• Historic mosques and temples.

Sources

• World Bank
• United Nations (UN Data)
• IMF
• CIA World Factbook
• Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
• Official Government Portals