Bangladesh - Country Profile

Full name: People's Republic of Bangladesh
Population: 162.2 million (UN, 2009)
Capital and largest city: Dhaka
Area: 143,998 sq km (55,598 sq miles)
Major language: Bengali
Major religions: Islam, Hinduism
Life expectancy: 65 years (men), 67 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 taka = 100 paisa
Main exports: Garments, fish, jute goods, leather products
GNI per capita: US $520 (World Bank, 2008)
Internet domain: .bd
International dialling code: +880

 

 

Bangladesh is a densely populated country in the world as well, with its people crammed into a delta of rivers, opens into the Bay of Bengal. Poverty is widespread and deep, almost half the population lives on less than a dollar a day. However, Bangladesh's population growth and improving health and education has decreased. The largest employer is agriculture, but not in a position to meet the demand for jobs. 

 

So many Bangladeshis - in common with citizens of other countries in the region - seek work abroad, sometimes illegally. The country sought to diversify its economy, with industrial development a priority. Foreign investors have pumped money into manufacturing and energy. Land and offshore gas fields an opportunity for future prosperity. There was debate about whether reserves should be kept for domestic use or exported. Some international energy companies are involved in the gas industry. 

 

Formerly East Pakistan, Bangladesh came into force only in 1971, when the two sides of the partition of Pakistan after a bloody war in which neighboring India. Bangladesh spent 15 years under military rule and, although democracy was restored in 1990, the political scene remains volatile. Analysts say the antagonism between the Awami League, which governed until July 2001 and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party reflects personal animosity between their leaders rather than substantial ideological differences. 

 

Political tensions have spread violence have killed hundreds of people in recent years. Attacks have targeted opposition rallies and public meetings. major opposition figures have also been targeted. has concerns about religious extremism in the traditionally moderate and tolerant country, which found itself in the form of a series of attacks in August 2005. The government, long the existence of a problem with the militants has denied banned two Islamic organizations, social. Bangladesh has been criticized for its human rights abuses, particularly concerned about attacks on women and accusations against the police torturing detainees. The low is vulnerable to floods and hurricanes and is affected by the expected rise in sea level.

President: Zillur Rahman
Prime minister: Sheikh Hasina Wajed