Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Bangladesh
গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশ
CapitalDhaka
Population175,686,899
GDP$456.3bn
Area147,570 km²
RegionSouth Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
The huge delta region at the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra River systems -- now referred to as Bangladesh -- was a loosely incorporated outpost of various empires for much of the first millennium A.D. Muslim conversions and settlement in the region began in the 10th century, primarily from Arab and Persian traders and preachers. Europeans established trading posts in the area in the 16th century. Eventually the area known as Bengal, which is primarily Hindu in the western section and mostly Muslim in the eastern half, became part of British India. After the partition of India in 1947, the Muslim-majority area became East Pakistan. Calls for greater autonomy and animosity between the eastern and western areas of Pakistan led to a Bengali independence movement. That movement, led by the Awami League (AL) and supported by India, won the independence war for Bangladesh in 1971.
The military overthrew the post-independence AL government in 1975, the first of a series of military coups that resulted in a military-backed government and the subsequent creation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) that took power in 1979. That government also ended in a coup in 1981, followed by military-backed rule until democratic elections were held in 1991. The BNP and AL alternated in power from 1991 to 2008, with the exception of a military-backed, emergency caretaker regime in 2007. The country returned to fully democratic rule in 2008 with the election of the AL and Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA. With the help of international development assistance, Bangladesh is on track to graduate from the UN’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list in 2026.
The economy has grown at an annual average of about 6.25% for the last two decades. Poverty declined from 11.8 percent in 2010 to 5.0 percent in 2022, based on the international poverty line of $2.15 a day (using 2017 Purchasing Power Parity exchange rate). The country made a rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, but still faces economic challenges.
Reference: 2026, 2022, 2017, 2010The military overthrew the post-independence AL government in 1975, the first of a series of military coups that resulted in a military-backed government and the subsequent creation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) that took power in 1979. That government also ended in a coup in 1981, followed by military-backed rule until democratic elections were held in 1991. The BNP and AL alternated in power from 1991 to 2008, with the exception of a military-backed, emergency caretaker regime in 2007. The country returned to fully democratic rule in 2008 with the election of the AL and Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA. With the help of international development assistance, Bangladesh is on track to graduate from the UN’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list in 2026.
The economy has grown at an annual average of about 6.25% for the last two decades. Poverty declined from 11.8 percent in 2010 to 5.0 percent in 2022, based on the international poverty line of $2.15 a day (using 2017 Purchasing Power Parity exchange rate). The country made a rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, but still faces economic challenges.
Geography
Location
Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India
Map references
Asia
Area
total: 148,460 sq km
land: 130,170 sq km
water: 18,290 sq km
land: 130,170 sq km
water: 18,290 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Pennsylvania and New Jersey combined; slightly smaller than Iowa
Land boundaries
total: 4,413 km
border countries: Burma 271 km; India 4,142 km
border countries: Burma 271 km; India 4,142 km
Coastline
580 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: to the outer limits of the continental margin
contiguous zone: 18 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: to the outer limits of the continental margin
Climate
tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)
Terrain
mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast
Elevation
highest point: Mowdok Taung 1,060 m
lowest point: Bay of Bengal 0 m
mean elevation: 85 m
lowest point: Bay of Bengal 0 m
mean elevation: 85 m
Natural resources
natural gas, arable land, timber, coal
Land use
agricultural land: 72.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 60.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 7.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.4% (2023 est.)
other: 13.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 60.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 7.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.4% (2023 est.)
other: 13.3% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
83,690 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Major rivers (by length in km)
Brahmaputra river mouth (shared with China [s] and India) - 3,969 km; Ganges river mouth (shared with India [s]) - 2,704 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Brahmaputra (651,335 sq km), Ganges (1,016,124 sq km)
Major aquifers
Indus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin
Natural hazards
droughts; cyclones; much of the country routinely inundated during the summer monsoon season
Geography - note
most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Bangladeshi(s)
adjective: Bangladeshi
adjective: Bangladeshi
Ethnic groups
Bengali at least 99%, other indigenous ethnic groups 1% (2022 est.)
note: note: Bangladesh's government recognizes 27 indigenous ethnic groups under the 2010 Cultural Institution for Small Anthropological Groups Act; other sources estimate there are about 75 ethnic groups
Reference: 2022, 2010note: note: Bangladesh's government recognizes 27 indigenous ethnic groups under the 2010 Cultural Institution for Small Anthropological Groups Act; other sources estimate there are about 75 ethnic groups
Languages
Languages: Bangla 98.8% (official, also known as Bengali), other 1.2% (2011 est.)
major-language sample(s): বিশ্ব ফ্যাক্টবুক, মৌলিক তথ্যের অপরিহার্য উৎস (Bangla)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Reference: 2011major-language sample(s): বিশ্ব ফ্যাক্টবুক, মৌলিক তথ্যের অপরিহার্য উৎস (Bangla)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Muslim 91%, Hindu 8%, other 1% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Age structure
0-14 years: 25.1% (male 21,540,493/female 20,800,712)
15-64 years: 67.1% (male 55,071,592/female 58,180,322)
65 years and over: 7.8% (2024 est.) (male 6,096,167/female 7,007,898)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 67.1% (male 55,071,592/female 58,180,322)
65 years and over: 7.8% (2024 est.) (male 6,096,167/female 7,007,898)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 49 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 37.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.6 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 37.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.6 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 29.6 years (2024 est.)
male: 28.7 years
female: 30.4 years
Reference: 2024male: 28.7 years
female: 30.4 years
Population growth rate
0.89% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
17.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
5.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Major urban areas - population
23.210 million DHAKA (capital), 5.380 million Chittagong, 955,000 Khulna, 962,000 Rajshahi, 964,000 Sylhet, 906,000 Bogra (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
18.6 years (2017/18 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Reference: 2017note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Maternal mortality ratio
115 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.01 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 98.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 2.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 1.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 1.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.72 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
0.9 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 90.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 81.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 84.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 9.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 18.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 15.1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 81.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 84.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 9.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 18.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 15.1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
3.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 29.7% (2025 est.)
male: 47.6% (2025 est.)
female: 12.5% (2025 est.)
male: 47.6% (2025 est.)
female: 12.5% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
21.7% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Currently married women (ages 15-49)
80.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 15.5% (2019)
women married by age 18: 51.4% (2019)
Reference: 2019women married by age 18: 51.4% (2019)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 11 years (2023 est.)
male: 11 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 11 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,005,637 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 756,743 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 1,005,520 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 756,743 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 1,005,520 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Tarique Rahman | — | 2026-02-17 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Mohammad Shahabuddin | — | 2023-04-24 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh
conventional short form: Bangladesh
local long form: Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh
local short form: Bangladesh
former: East Bengal, East Pakistan
etymology: the name is a compound of the Bengali words Bangla (Bengali) and desh (country)
conventional short form: Bangladesh
local long form: Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh
local short form: Bangladesh
former: East Bengal, East Pakistan
etymology: the name is a compound of the Bengali words Bangla (Bengali) and desh (country)
Capital
name: Dhaka
geographic coordinates: 23 43 N, 90 24 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origins of the name are unclear, but it may be derived from either the dhak tree or Dhakeshwari, a goddess with a shrine in the city
geographic coordinates: 23 43 N, 90 24 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origins of the name are unclear, but it may be derived from either the dhak tree or Dhakeshwari, a goddess with a shrine in the city
Administrative divisions
8 divisions; Barishal, Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet
Legal system
common law, incorporating elements of English common law; since independence, statutory law has been the primary form of legislation; Islamic law applies to Muslims in family and inheritance laws, with Hindu personal law applying to Hindus and Buddhists
Constitution
history: previous 1935, 1956, 1962 (pre-independence); latest enacted 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended March 1982, restored November 1986
amendment process: proposed by the House of the Nation; approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the House membership and assent of the president of the republic
Reference: 1986, 1982, 1972, 1962amendment process: proposed by the House of the Nation; approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the House membership and assent of the president of the republic
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Bangladesh
dual citizenship recognized: yes, but limited to select countries
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Bangladesh
dual citizenship recognized: yes, but limited to select countries
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Mohammad SHAHABUDDIN Chuppi (since 24 April 2023)
head of government: Interim Prime Minister Muhammad YUNUS (since 8 August 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister, appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by the National Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); the president appoints as prime minister the majority party leader in the National Parliament
most recent election date: 13 February 2023
election results: President Mohammad SHAHABUDDIN Chuppi (AL) elected unopposed by the National Parliament; Sheikh HASINA reappointed prime minister for a fifth term following the 7 January 2024 parliamentary election; note - Sheikh HASINA resigned and fled the country on 5 August 2024 following mass protests against her government in July and August 2024, and Mohammad YUNIS was appointed as interim Prime Minister on 8 August 2024
expected date of next election: 2028
Reference: 2028, 2024, 2023head of government: Interim Prime Minister Muhammad YUNUS (since 8 August 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister, appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by the National Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); the president appoints as prime minister the majority party leader in the National Parliament
most recent election date: 13 February 2023
election results: President Mohammad SHAHABUDDIN Chuppi (AL) elected unopposed by the National Parliament; Sheikh HASINA reappointed prime minister for a fifth term following the 7 January 2024 parliamentary election; note - Sheikh HASINA resigned and fled the country on 5 August 2024 following mass protests against her government in July and August 2024, and Mohammad YUNIS was appointed as interim Prime Minister on 8 August 2024
expected date of next election: 2028
Legislative branch
expected date of next election: February 2026
note: note: the Parliament (House of the Nation) was dissolved on 6 August 2024 by President Mohammad SHAHABUDDIN Chuppi following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA Wazed on 5 August 2024; new national elections will be held in February 2026
Reference: 2026, 2024note: note: the Parliament (House of the Nation) was dissolved on 6 August 2024 by President Mohammad SHAHABUDDIN Chuppi following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA Wazed on 5 August 2024; new national elections will be held in February 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Bangladesh (organized into the Appellate Division with 7 justices and the High Court Division with 99 justices)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice and justices appointed by the president; justices serve until retirement at age 67
subordinate courts: civil courts include: Assistant Judge's Court; Joint District Judge's Court; Additional District Judge's Court; District Judge's Court; criminal courts include: Court of Sessions; Court of Metropolitan Sessions; Metropolitan Magistrate Courts; Magistrate Court; special courts/tribunals
judge selection and term of office: chief justice and justices appointed by the president; justices serve until retirement at age 67
subordinate courts: civil courts include: Assistant Judge's Court; Joint District Judge's Court; Additional District Judge's Court; District Judge's Court; criminal courts include: Court of Sessions; Court of Metropolitan Sessions; Metropolitan Magistrate Courts; Magistrate Court; special courts/tribunals
Political parties
Awami League or AL
Bangladesh Jamaat-i-Islami or JIB
Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP
Islami Andolan Bangladesh
Jatiya Party or JP (Ershad faction)
Jatiya Party or JP (Manju faction)
National Socialist Party (Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal) or JSD
Workers Party or WP
Bangladesh Jamaat-i-Islami or JIB
Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP
Islami Andolan Bangladesh
Jatiya Party or JP (Ershad faction)
Jatiya Party or JP (Manju faction)
National Socialist Party (Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal) or JSD
Workers Party or WP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful ISLAM (since 5 September 2025)
chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183
FAX: [1] (202) 244-2771
email address and website: mission.washington@mofa.gov.bd
Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Washington, DC (mofa.gov.bd)
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York
chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183
FAX: [1] (202) 244-2771
email address and website: mission.washington@mofa.gov.bd
Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Washington, DC (mofa.gov.bd)
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Tracey Ann JACOBSEN (since 11 January 2025)
embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka - 1212
mailing address: 6120 Dhaka Place, Washington DC 20521-6120
telephone: [880] (2) 5566-2000
FAX: [880] (2) 5566-2907
email address and website: DhakaACS@state.gov
https://bd.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2025, 2000embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka - 1212
mailing address: 6120 Dhaka Place, Washington DC 20521-6120
telephone: [880] (2) 5566-2000
FAX: [880] (2) 5566-2907
email address and website: DhakaACS@state.gov
https://bd.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CD, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSCA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNIFIL, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
16 December 1971 (from Pakistan)
Reference: 1971National holiday
Independence Day, 26 March (1971); Victory Day, 16 December (1971)
note: note: 26 March 1971 is the date of the Awami League's declaration of an independent Bangladesh, and 16 December (Victory Day) memorializes the military victory over Pakistan and the official creation of the state of Bangladesh
Reference: 1971note: note: 26 March 1971 is the date of the Awami League's declaration of an independent Bangladesh, and 16 December (Victory Day) memorializes the military victory over Pakistan and the official creation of the state of Bangladesh
Flag
description: green field with a large red disk shifted slightly to the left
meaning: the red disk represents the rising sun and the sacrifice to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the lush vegetation of Bangladesh
meaning: the red disk represents the rising sun and the sacrifice to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the lush vegetation of Bangladesh
National symbol(s)
Bengal tiger, water lily
National color(s)
green, red
National coat of arms
the water lily is the national flower and symbolizes promise, aesthetics, and elegance; the water under the lily, the rice sheaves on the sides, and the jute leaves at the top represent the Bangladeshi landscape and economy; the four stars represent the aims and ambition of the nation
National anthem(s)
title: "Amar Shonar Bangla" (My Golden Bengal)
lyrics/music: Rabindranath TAGORE
history: adopted 1971; Rabindranath TAGORE, a Nobel laureate, also wrote India's national anthem
Reference: 1971lyrics/music: Rabindranath TAGORE
history: adopted 1971; Rabindranath TAGORE, a Nobel laureate, also wrote India's national anthem
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 3 (2 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Bagerhat Historic Mosque (c); Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur (c); Sundarbans (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Bagerhat Historic Mosque (c); Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur (c); Sundarbans (n)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jatiya Sangsad | — | 350 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
one of the fastest growing emerging market economies; strong economic rebound following COVID-19; significant poverty reduction; exports dominated by textile industry; weakened exports and remittances resulted in declining foreign exchange reserves and 2022 IMF loan request
Reference: 2022Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $1.473 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.413 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.336 trillion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.413 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.336 trillion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $8,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $8,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $7,900 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $8,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $7,900 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 11.2% (2024 est.)
industry: 34.1% (2024 est.)
services: 51.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 34.1% (2024 est.)
services: 51.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 70.1% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 5.9% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 30.7% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 10.5% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -16.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 5.9% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 30.7% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 10.5% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -16.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
rice, milk, potatoes, maize, sugarcane, onions, jute, vegetables, mangoes/guavas, tropical fruits (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
cotton, textiles and clothing, jute, tea, paper, cement, fertilizer, sugar, light engineering
Industrial production growth rate
3.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
77.355 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 11.5% (2024 est.)
male: 13.7% (2024 est.)
female: 9.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 13.7% (2024 est.)
female: 9.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
18.7% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 33.4 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 52.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 2.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 2.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.5% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 27.4% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 27.4% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 5.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 4.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 5.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 4.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $39.849 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures: $51.558 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2021expenditures: $51.558 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 33.3% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Taxes and other revenues
7.6% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2021note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $1.87 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $4.388 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$14.438 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $4.388 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$14.438 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $53.848 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $58.885 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $60.066 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $58.885 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $60.066 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 16%, Germany 15%, UK 8%, Spain 7%, Poland 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
garments, footwear, fabric, textiles, trunks and cases (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $74.96 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $73.172 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $93.635 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $73.172 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $93.635 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 34%, India 17%, Indonesia 5%, Singapore 5%, Malaysia 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cotton fabric, natural gas, cotton, fabric (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $21.395 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $21.86 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $33.747 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $21.86 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $33.747 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $58.02 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: taka (BDT) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 115.604 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 106.309 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 91.745 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 85.084 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 84.871 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 115.604 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 106.309 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 91.745 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 85.084 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 84.871 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $1.87 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $4.388 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$14.438 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $4.388 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$14.438 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $53.848 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $58.885 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $60.066 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $58.885 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $60.066 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 16%, Germany 15%, UK 8%, Spain 7%, Poland 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
garments, footwear, fabric, textiles, trunks and cases (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $74.96 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $73.172 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $93.635 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $73.172 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $93.635 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 34%, India 17%, Indonesia 5%, Singapore 5%, Malaysia 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cotton fabric, natural gas, cotton, fabric (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 22.699 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 107.285 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 9.407 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 8.279 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 107.285 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 9.407 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 8.279 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 98.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of nuclear reactors under construction: 2 (2025)
Coal
production: 767,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 14.05 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 13.305 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 3.26 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 14.05 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 13.305 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 3.26 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 13,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 263,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 28 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 263,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 28 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 22.334 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 29.119 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 6.785 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 126.293 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 29.119 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 6.785 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 126.293 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 11.472 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 302,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
115 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 2.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 1.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 1.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.72 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
0.9 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Obesity - adult prevalence rate
3.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 29.7% (2025 est.)
male: 47.6% (2025 est.)
female: 12.5% (2025 est.)
male: 47.6% (2025 est.)
female: 12.5% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 11 years (2023 est.)
male: 11 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 11 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
common law, incorporating elements of English common law; since independence, statutory law has been the primary form of legislation; Islamic law applies to Muslims in family and inheritance laws, with Hindu personal law applying to Hindus and Buddhists
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Bangladesh (organized into the Appellate Division with 7 justices and the High Court Division with 99 justices)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice and justices appointed by the president; justices serve until retirement at age 67
subordinate courts: civil courts include: Assistant Judge's Court; Joint District Judge's Court; Additional District Judge's Court; District Judge's Court; criminal courts include: Court of Sessions; Court of Metropolitan Sessions; Metropolitan Magistrate Courts; Magistrate Court; special courts/tribunals
judge selection and term of office: chief justice and justices appointed by the president; justices serve until retirement at age 67
subordinate courts: civil courts include: Assistant Judge's Court; Joint District Judge's Court; Additional District Judge's Court; District Judge's Court; criminal courts include: Court of Sessions; Court of Metropolitan Sessions; Metropolitan Magistrate Courts; Magistrate Court; special courts/tribunals
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of Bangladesh (aka Bangladesh Defense Force): Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Air Force
Ministry of Home Affairs: Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Coast Guard, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Ansars, Village Defense Party (VDP) (2025)
note: note 1: the Armed Forces of Bangladesh are jointly administered by the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Armed Forces Division (AFD), both under the Prime Minister's Office; the AFD has ministerial status and parallel functions with MOD; the AFD is a joint coordinating headquarters for the three services and also functions as a joint command center during wartime; to coordinate policy, the prime minister and the president are advised by a six-member board, which includes the three service chiefs of staff, the principal staff officer of the AFD, and the military secretaries to the prime minister and president
note 2: the RAB, Ansars, and VDP are paramilitary organizations for internal security; the RAB is a joint task force comprised of Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Guards personnel seconded to the RAB; its mandate includes internal security, intelligence gathering related to criminal activities, and government-directed investigations
Ministry of Home Affairs: Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Coast Guard, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Ansars, Village Defense Party (VDP) (2025)
note: note 1: the Armed Forces of Bangladesh are jointly administered by the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Armed Forces Division (AFD), both under the Prime Minister's Office; the AFD has ministerial status and parallel functions with MOD; the AFD is a joint coordinating headquarters for the three services and also functions as a joint command center during wartime; to coordinate policy, the prime minister and the president are advised by a six-member board, which includes the three service chiefs of staff, the principal staff officer of the AFD, and the military secretaries to the prime minister and president
note 2: the RAB, Ansars, and VDP are paramilitary organizations for internal security; the RAB is a joint task force comprised of Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Guards personnel seconded to the RAB; its mandate includes internal security, intelligence gathering related to criminal activities, and government-directed investigations
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
information varies; approximately 170,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
much of the military's inventory is comprised of Chinese- and Russian-origin equipment; in recent years, China has been the leading provider of arms to Bangladesh (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
generally 17-21 for voluntary military service; length of service varies by military service (2024)
Reference: 2024Military deployments
approximately 1,400 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 1,650 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO; plus about 200 police); 120 Lebanon (UNIFIL); 100 Mali (MINUSMA; plus about 150 police); 1,600 South Sudan (UNMISS); 500 Sudan (UNISFA) (2024)
note: note: as of early 2024, Bangladesh had nearly 6,000 total military and police personnel deployed on UN missions
Reference: 2024note: note: as of early 2024, Bangladesh had nearly 6,000 total military and police personnel deployed on UN missions
Military - note
the military’s primary responsibility is external defense but it also has a domestic security role; following widespread domestic protests in September 2024, the Army was given law enforcement powers, including making arrests, conducting searches, and dispersing unlawful assemblies; the military has traditionally been a significant player in the country's politics and has commercial business interests in such areas as banking, food, hotels, manufacturing, real estate, and shipbuilding, and manages government infrastructure and construction projects
the military has a long history of participating in UN peacekeeping missions, which has provided operational experience and a source of funding; it runs an international institute for the training of peacekeepers; the military also conducts multinational and bilateral exercises with foreign partners, particularly India (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2024the military has a long history of participating in UN peacekeeping missions, which has provided operational experience and a source of funding; it runs an international institute for the training of peacekeepers; the military also conducts multinational and bilateral exercises with foreign partners, particularly India (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful ISLAM (since 5 September 2025)
chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183
FAX: [1] (202) 244-2771
email address and website: mission.washington@mofa.gov.bd
Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Washington, DC (mofa.gov.bd)
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York
chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183
FAX: [1] (202) 244-2771
email address and website: mission.washington@mofa.gov.bd
Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Washington, DC (mofa.gov.bd)
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Tracey Ann JACOBSEN (since 11 January 2025)
embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka - 1212
mailing address: 6120 Dhaka Place, Washington DC 20521-6120
telephone: [880] (2) 5566-2000
FAX: [880] (2) 5566-2907
email address and website: DhakaACS@state.gov
https://bd.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2025, 2000embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka - 1212
mailing address: 6120 Dhaka Place, Washington DC 20521-6120
telephone: [880] (2) 5566-2000
FAX: [880] (2) 5566-2907
email address and website: DhakaACS@state.gov
https://bd.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CD, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSCA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNIFIL, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1972-04-18 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1974-09-17 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-01-01 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CD, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSCA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNIFIL, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,005,637 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 756,743 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 1,005,520 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 756,743 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 1,005,520 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami/Bangladesh (HUJI-B); Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) in Bangladesh (ISB); al-Qa'ida; al-Qa'ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
S2
Airports
17 (2025)
Heliports
36 (2025)
Railways
total: 2,460 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 1,801 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
broad gauge: 659 km (2014) 1.676-m gauge
Reference: 2014narrow gauge: 1,801 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
broad gauge: 659 km (2014) 1.676-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 558 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 68, container ship 10, general cargo 170, oil tanker 162, other 148
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 68, container ship 10, general cargo 170, oil tanker 162, other 148
Ports
total ports: 2 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 1
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Chittagong, Mongla
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 1
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Chittagong, Mongla
Environment
Environmental issues
flooding; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, from the use of commercial pesticides; groundwater pollution from naturally occurring arsenic; falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; destruction of wetlands; severe overpopulation with noise pollution
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)
Land use
agricultural land: 72.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 60.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 7.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.4% (2023 est.)
other: 13.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 60.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 7.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.4% (2023 est.)
other: 13.3% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 40.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 2.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 2.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 125.956 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 26.967 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 42.083 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 56.906 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 26.967 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 42.083 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 56.906 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
42.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 544 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 2,391.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 693 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 38.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 2,391.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 693 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 38.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 14.778 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.7% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.7% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 3.6 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 770 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 31.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 770 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 31.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
1.227 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 302,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Broadcast media
state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) broadcasts nationally; some channels operate via satellite; the government also owns a medium-wave radio channel and some private FM radio news channels; of the 41 approved TV stations, 26 are currently being used to broadcast, and 23 operate under private management via cable distribution
Internet country code
.bd
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 160,811,932 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 162,186,147 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 163,523,103 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 164,913,055 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 166,298,024 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 167,658,854 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 169,384,897 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 171,466,990 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 173,562,364 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 175,686,899 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $265,224,515,675 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $293,732,446,625 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $321,362,752,442 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $351,231,654,604 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $373,979,442,362 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $416,271,647,911 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $460,131,689,083 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $437,415,333,018 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $450,119,432,069 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $456,319,229,256 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2,115,408 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,906,338 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 5,076,540 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 5,266,258 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 5,287,858 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 5,198,991 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 6,221,642 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 7,883,873 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 8,085,347 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 8,706,947 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -918,770 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -1,037,176 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -1,029,069 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -1,016,796 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -1,002,522 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -994,722 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -549,990 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -549,918 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -473,362 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -402,100 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 175,686,899 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 177,818,045 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 171,466,990 | 2023 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 2,906,338 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 1.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 8,706,947 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -402,100 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 26,308 | 2006 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 78 | 2006 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 31,862 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 92,441 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.527 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.614 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.429 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | -0.423 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.188 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | -0.052 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.084 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No No Illegal since 1862; Penalty: 10 years to life imprisonment (Occasionally enforced). | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Yes A third gender option (hijra) besides male and female is available for a certain sect of third genders | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $456,319,229,256 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $2,597 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 3.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 8.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 3.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 74.9 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.1 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 33.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 53.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 11.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 16.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 28.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 79.0% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 64.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 2.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 99.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 603 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 25.0% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 2.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 24.4 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 14.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 108.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 8.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 527 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 23.7055° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 90.4113° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 24.0167° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 89.8667° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | Bangladesh Standard Time, UTC+06:00, Asia/Dhaka | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | Westminster system, parliamentary republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:12