Bangladeshi

People's Republic of Bangladesh
Flag
Anthem: Amar Shonar Bangla
Capital and largest city	Dhaka
Official languages	Bengali
Government	Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic
• President	Mohammad Abdul Hamid
• Prime Minister	Sheikh Hasina
Area
• Total	147,570 km2 (56,980 sq mi)
Population
• 2022 estimate	166,303,498
Currency	Bangladeshi taka (BDT)
ISO 3166 code	[[ISO 3166-2:BD |BD ]]

Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia, located on the fertile Bengal delta. It is bordered by India to the west, north, and east, Myanmar (Burma) to the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the south. It is separated from Nepal and Bhutan by the narrow Siliguri Corridor, and from China by Sikkim, following the Doklam trijunction.

History

The history of Bangladesh is intertwined with the history of the broader Bengal region and the surrounding areas of South Asia and Southeast Asia. It was a part of several ancient and classical empires, including the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, and Pala Empire. The region was known for its significant contributions to Buddhist civilization before it became predominantly Muslim due to the influence of Turkic and Afghan rulers in the medieval period. The establishment of the Bengal Sultanate and later, the Mughal Empire, particularly under Akbar the Great, brought greater economic and cultural prosperity to the region.

Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, the area came under the control of the British East India Company and subsequently the British Raj. The struggle for independence was marked by the partition of Bengal in 1947, when the region became East Pakistan following the formation of Pakistan. The Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, supported by India, led to the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent nation.

Geography

Bangladesh is characterized by its flat, fertile land and is known for its network of rivers including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna, which converge to form the world's largest delta, the Sundarbans, known for its unique mangrove forests and the Bengal tiger.

Economy

The economy of Bangladesh has consistently shown growth under its current government. Key sectors include textiles, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Despite political instability, corruption, and the presence of various natural disasters, Bangladesh has made significant strides in areas such as poverty reduction, primary education, and public health.

Culture

Bangladeshi culture is rich and varied, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, which have shaped its history, culture, and architecture. The country is known for its music, dance, art, and cuisine. The Bengali New Year, also known as Pohela Boishakh, is a major celebration across the country.

Demographics

The majority of the population are Bengali, with a significant minority ethnic groups including the Chittagonians, Sylhetis, and various indigenous groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The official language is Bengali, and the predominant religion is Islam, followed by Hinduism.

Challenges

Bangladesh faces numerous challenges including political instability, environmental degradation, and the effects of climate change, such as flooding, cyclones, and rising sea levels. The country is also dealing with issues related to the Rohingya refugee crisis stemming from neighboring Myanmar.