About Bangladesh

A Brief Description
For many thousands of years a long list of regional empires and European traders fought for control of the water-logged land now called Bangladesh.

Ruled by Britain in the 19th and 20th centuries, Bangladesh (formerly called East Pakistan), was formed in 1971 when it officially separated from its union with West Pakistan (now called Pakistan).

As one of the most crowded countries on the planet, much of the lush, low-lying landscape is subject to yearly flooding, and the subsequent devastation of cyclones.

Those natural hazards have adversely affected the nation's economy and its people, as they often cause great loss of life.

Not on the front-burner of most travelers, reports from those who venture here rave about its natural beauty, the friendly welcome, the capital city of Dhaka, and the easy-going beach resort of Cox's Bazar - home to the world's longest beach.

Facts and Figures

Name Bangladesh

(long form) People's Republic of Bangladesh

Population 144,319,600

Population & Density (all countries)

Capital City Dhaka (11 million)

Currency Taka (BDT)


Languages Bengali (official), English

Flag

National Day March 26

Religions Muslim (83%), Hindu (16%), others

Land Statistics

Coastline 360 miles (580 km)

Land Areas

(land) 51,703 sq miles (133,910 sq km)

(water) 3,896 sq miles (10,090 sq km)

(TOTAL) 55,599 sq miles (144,000 sq km)

Landforms Bangladesh, a nation of rivers, is in essence a large delta comprised of three significant rivers; the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna.

Subsequently, Bangladesh is one of the most flood-prone countries in the world. When the spring snows melt in the Himalayan Mountains and run south to the sea, the rivers often overflow.

Replete with mangrove forests and tropical rain forests, the overall land is mostly flat, with a few hilly areas in the east and southeast.

Highest Point Keokradong - 4,035 ft. (1,230 m)

Lowest Point Indian Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)
Traveler Info

Attractions As an emerging tourism destination Bangladesh offers travelers many interesting diversions including archaeological sites, historic mosques and monuments, white sandy beaches, and lush forest venues filled with wildlife and waterfalls

Major points-of-interest include Cox's Bazar, home to the longest beach on the planet; the world's largest mangrove forest; Ramu village, Sonadia Island, famous for its wide variety of seashells; the gorgeous beaches on St. Martins Island, the Aggameda Khyang sanctuary and monastery and its bronze Buddha images; Royal Bengal Tigers tours, and of course, the capital city of Dhaka, filled with the symbols of its rich Muslim history.

Note that nothing in Bangladesh happens quickly, so patience is important when traveling here. In addition, the security situation in Bangladesh is volatile, and Americans are urged to check with the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka for the latest information. A terrorist bombing campaign and threats to U.S. and Western interests have led to increased security measures around U.S. Government facilities in and around Dhaka.

Country Dialing Code 880

Electricity Bangladesh uses 220 volts AC (50 Hz)

Electrical adapters, products and tips

Land Divisions 6 divisions; including Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet