Geography

Physical geography

Bangladesh covers an area of 144,000 square kilometres (about two-thirds the size of Victoria). It is mostly flat alluvial plains, crisscrossed by three main river systems, Padma (the Ganges), Jamuna (the Brahmaputra) and Meghna flowing down from the Himalayas into the Bay of Bengal, making the largest delta in the world. The Chittagong Hills Tract in the south-east is the high region and includes the highest peak, Keokradong, at 1,200 metres.

Climate

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate marked by three seasons: summer from March to June, a monsoon or rainy season from July to October and a dry winter from November to February. The climate is marked by high temperatures and high humidity. Massive cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal occur frequently at the beginning of summer and at the end of the monsoon seasons, during March and April, and October and November.

Environment

Over 90% of the country is composed of alluvial plains, which are less than 10 metres above sea level, making it extremely prone to flooding. About 11% is covered by forest, consisting mainly of broadleaf, evergreen species in the hill regions and deciduous varieties, such as acacia and banyan in the drier plains.

The Sundarban, one of the world’s largest mangrove forests is a World Heritage Site, and is home to 260 bird species, the estuarine crocodile, the Indian python and the threatened Bengal tiger.

Black bears, elephants, langurs, gibbons, otters, mongooses, ox, bison and deer are commonly found. Bangladesh has more than 600 bird species including kingfishers and fishing eagles.

Population

Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 1,263 persons per square kilometre. About 28% of the population live in urban areas. The biggest cities are the capital Dhaka (15.391 million), Chittagong (4.816 million) and Khulna (1.636 million). Tribal groups live mainly in the hill areas.

People

Culture and identity

Culturally and ethnically Bangladesh has a homogenous population but there are a number of tribal groups with their own dialects, dress and customs.

In rural areas extended families live together, sharing a kitchen (chulha). Women’s role in the society is subordinate to men’s and they generally have limited access to education, formal jobs and markets.

Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage with literature, poetry and music all playing important roles in society. Weaving and intricate needlework have a long history in traditional Bengali culture.

The Mosque City of Bagerhat and the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Health

Health problems in Bangladesh stem from malnutrition and inadequate safe drinking water and sewage disposal. Arsenic contamination in the groundwater is a big problem.

Diseases such as cholera, diphtheria, dysentery, measles, malaria and pneumonia cause widespread illness and many young children die from these preventable illnesses. An immunisation program initiated by the government has eradicated smallpox and contained cholera. Population control programs have reduced the size of most families to three children. The life expectancy at birth is 70 years. About 0.1% of the population, are living with HIV/AIDS.

Religion and beliefs

The majority of the population of Bangladesh is Muslim (89.5%), predominantly Sunni, with 9.6% Hindu.

Food and shelter

Rice is the staple food of Bangladesh. It is accompanied by vegetables, lentils (dhal) and a little beef, mutton, chicken or fish cooked in a spicy sauce. Mustard seed and soy oils are important ingredients for curries. Bangladesh sweets are mostly milk-based – such as misthidohi (sweetened yoghurt).

Traditionally, houses are built with natural building materials – for instance, bamboo, mud and straw.

Economy

Wealth and poverty

Most people are subsistence farmers but with frequent flooding and limited market development,31% of the population lives below the poverty line. About two-thirds of the population has a mobile phone.

Education and work

The government provides free primary education for five years with special incentives for girls. Literacy rates in Bangladesh have improved with 58% of adults being able to read, but there is a significant difference between the rate for males (62%) and for females (53%).

Around half of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, with more women than men working in this sector. About 40% of the population is underemployed while many people work overseas, primarily in the Middle East and East Asia, sending home significant amounts of their wages each year.

Industries and products

Rice is the dominant crop. Others include wheat, jute, sugarcane, pulses, spices, tea, fruit and vegetables. Garment manufacturing is the major industry.

The country has reserves of coal, oil and natural gas, and minerals such as limestone and uranium. With its lush, beautiful landscape and a rich history, Bangladesh also offers a variety of attractions for visitors but numbers of tourists are low.

Trade

Garments, jute and jute goods, leather, frozen fish and seafood are the main items of export. The main export destinations are the USA (19%), Germany (16%) and the UK (10%). Key imports are machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products and cement. The main import partners are China (22%), India (16%) and Malaysia (5%).

Government

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh was established in 1971 after separating from Pakistan. Since independence, Bangladesh has experienced ongoing political unrest. The parliament consists of 350 members (including 50 seats reserved for women) directly elected. The President is elected to the ceremonial position and appoints the Prime Minister who is head of government. The most recent elections were held in January 2014.

Violence against women is the most commonly reported crime in Bangladesh. Other concerns for human rights groups centre on the treatment of prisoners and the excessive use of force by law enforcers.

Achievements and challenges

Bangladesh has experienced strong and steady economic growth since 1990 and has seen improvements in primary education and the under-five mortality rate.

Flooding and tropical cyclones are recurring major natural disasters for Bangladesh. Deforestation is threatening the mangrove forests of Sundarban, where the famous Bengal tigers are found.

Although poverty rates are declining, about 31% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2012. The country is heavily dependent on foreign aid and remittances and is unlikely to meet its Millennium Development Goal targets for poverty and food security.  

Links with Australia

Australia was the first industrialised country to recognise Bangladesh's independence in 1971 and the two countries have experienced good relations since then. Major Australian exports are wheat, fresh vegetables, cotton and fertilisers worth AUD865 million. Imports from Bangladesh worth AUD490 million consist of clothing, woven fabrics and textile manufactures. The cricket boards of the two countries have a range of cooperative activities, including young Bangladeshi players studying at the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy in Adelaide.

The number of Bangladeshis settling permanently in Australia has increased significantly in recent years. The 2011 census showed there were 27,809 Bangladeshi-born people living in Australia predominantly in New South Wales.

Australia’s aid to Bangladesh aims to improve education outcomes and increase economic opportunities for the poor, particularly women and marginalised groups.