2017 Edition

Background

Muslim conversions and settlement in the region now referred to as Bangladesh 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, primarily Hindu in the western section and mostly Muslim in the eastern half, became part of British India. Partition in 1947 resulted in an eastern wing of Pakistan in the Muslim-majority area, which became East Pakistan. Calls for greater autonomy and animosity between the eastern and western wings 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 post-independence AL government faced daunting challenges and in 1975 was overthrown by the military, triggering a series of military coups that resulted in a military-backed government and subsequent creation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978. That government also ended in a coup in 1981, followed by military-backed rule until democratic elections occurred in 1991. The BNP and AL alternated in power between 1991 and 2013, with the exception of a military-backed, emergency caretaker regime that suspended parliamentary elections planned for January 2007 in an effort to reform the political system and root out corruption. That government returned the country to fully democratic rule in December 2008 with the election of the AL and Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA. In January 2014, the incumbent AL won the national election by an overwhelming majority after the BNP boycotted, extending HASINA's term as prime minister. With the help of international development assistance, Bangladesh has reduced the poverty rate from over half of the population to less than a third, achieved Millennium Development Goals for maternal and child health, and made great progress in food security since independence. The economy has grown at an annual average of about 6% over the last two decades and the country reached World Bank lower-middle income status in 2015.

Area

148,460 sq km 130,170 sq km 18,290 sq km

land

130,170 sq km

total

148,460 sq km

water

18,290 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than Pennsylvania and New Jersey combined; slightly smaller than Iowa

Climate

tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)

Coastline

580 km

Elevation

85 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Keokradong 1,230 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point

Keokradong 1,230 m

mean elevation

85 m

Environment - current issues

many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; waterborne diseases prevalent in surface water; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from the use of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by naturally occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe overpopulation

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands none of the selected agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Geographic coordinates

24 00 N, 90 00 E

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

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

Irrigated land

53,000 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

4,413 km Burma 271 km, India 4,142 km

border countries (2)

Burma 271 km, India 4,142 km

total

4,413 km

Land use

70.1% arable land 59%; permanent crops 6.5%; permanent pasture 4.6% 11.1% 18.8% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

70.1%

forest

11.1%

other

18.8% (2011 est.)

Location

Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India

Map references

Asia

Maritime claims

12 nm 18 nm 200 nm to the outer limits of the continental margin

contiguous zone

18 nm

continental shelf

to the outer limits of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

droughts; cyclones; much of the country routinely inundated during the summer monsoon season

Natural resources

natural gas, arable land, timber, coal

Terrain

mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast

Age structure

27.76% (male 22,283,780/female 21,521,977) 19.36% (male 15,309,543/female 15,241,971) 39.73% (male 30,094,014/female 32,614,286) 6.93% (male 5,405,900/female 5,527,330) 6.23% (male 4,666,033/female 5,161,744) (2017 est.)

0-14 years

27.76% (male 22,283,780/female 21,521,977)

15-24 years

19.36% (male 15,309,543/female 15,241,971)

25-54 years

39.73% (male 30,094,014/female 32,614,286)

55-64 years

6.93% (male 5,405,900/female 5,527,330)

65 years and over

6.23% (male 4,666,033/female 5,161,744) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

18.8 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

32.6% (2014)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

62.3% (2014)

Death rate

5.4 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Dependency ratios

52.6 44.9 7.7 13 (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

7.7

potential support ratio

13 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

52.6

youth dependency ratio

44.9

Drinking water source

urban: 86.5% of population rural: 87% of population total: 86.9% of population urban: 13.5% of population rural: 13% of population total: 13.1% of population (2015 est.)

rural

13% of population

total

13.1% of population (2015 est.)

urban

13.5% of population

Education expenditures

2.2% of GDP (2015)

Ethnic groups

Bengali at least 98%, ethnic groups 1.1% Bangladesh's government recognizes 27 ethnic groups under the 2010 Cultural Institution for Small Anthropological Groups Act; other sources estimate there are about 75 ethnic groups; critics of the 2011 census claim that it underestimates the size of Bangladesh's ethnic population (2011 est.)

note

Bangladesh's government recognizes 27 ethnic groups under the 2010 Cultural Institution for Small Anthropological Groups Act; other sources estimate there are about 75 ethnic groups; critics of the 2011 census claim that it underestimates the size of Bangladesh's ethnic population (2011 est.)

Health expenditures

2.8% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

1,000 (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

12,000 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

0.6 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

31.7 deaths/1,000 live births 34 deaths/1,000 live births 29.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

29.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

34 deaths/1,000 live births

total

31.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Bangla 98.8% (official, also known as Bengali), other 1.2% (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

73.4 years 71.3 years 75.6 years (2017 est.)

female

75.6 years (2017 est.)

male

71.3 years

total population

73.4 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 72.8% 75.6% 69.9% (2016 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

69.9% (2016 est.)

male

75.6%

total population

72.8%

Major infectious diseases

high bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever dengue fever and malaria are high risks in some locations leptospirosis rabies (2016)

animal contact disease

rabies (2016)

degree of risk

high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever and malaria are high risks in some locations

water contact disease

leptospirosis

Major urban areas - population

DHAKA (capital) 17.598 million; Chittagong 4.539 million; Khulna 1.022 million; Rajshahi 844,000 (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

176 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

26.7 years 26 years 27.3 years (2017 est.)

female

27.3 years (2017 est.)

male

26 years

total

26.7 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

18.5 years median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2014 est.)

note

median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2014 est.)

Nationality

Bangladeshi(s) Bangladeshi

adjective

Bangladeshi

noun

Bangladeshi(s)

Net migration rate

-3.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

3.6% (2016)

Physicians density

0.39 physicians/1,000 population (2012)

Population

157,826,578 (July 2017 est.)

Population growth rate

1.04% (2017 est.)

Religions

Muslim 89.1%, Hindu 10%, other 0.9% (includes Buddhist, Christian) (2013 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 57.7% of population rural: 62.1% of population total: 60.6% of population urban: 42.3% of population rural: 37.9% of population total: 39.4% of population (2015 est.)

rural

37.9% of population

total

39.4% of population (2015 est.)

urban

42.3% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

10 years 10 years 10 years (2011)

female

10 years (2011)

male

10 years

total

10 years

Sex ratio

1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.93 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.93 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.97 male(s)/female

at birth

1.04 male(s)/female

total population

0.97 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.17 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

9.4% 9.5% 9.4% (2013 est.)

female

9.4% (2013 est.)

male

9.5%

total

9.4%

Urbanization

35.8% of total population (2017) 3.19% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

3.19% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

35.8% of total population (2017)

Administrative divisions

8 divisions; Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet

Capital

Dhaka 23 43 N, 90 24 E UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

23 43 N, 90 24 E

name

Dhaka

time difference

UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of Bangladesh yes, but limited to select countries 5 years

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

Constitution

previous 1935, 1956, 1962 (pre-independence); latest enacted 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended March 1982, restored November 1986 proposed by the House of the Nation; approval requires at least a two-thirds majority vote by the House membership, assented to by the president of the republic, and approved in a referendum by a majority of voters; amended many times, last in 2014 (2017)

amendments

proposed by the House of the Nation; approval requires at least a two-thirds majority vote by the House membership, assented to by the president of the republic, and approved in a referendum by a majority of voters; amended many times, last in 2014 (2017)

history

previous 1935, 1956, 1962 (pre-independence); latest enacted 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended March 1982, restored November 1986

Country name

People's Republic of Bangladesh Bangladesh Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh Bangladesh East Bengal, East Pakistan the name - a compound of the Bengali words "Bangla" (Bengal) and "desh" (country) - means "Country of Bengal"

conventional long form

People's Republic of Bangladesh

conventional short form

Bangladesh

etymology

the name - a compound of the Bengali words "Bangla" (Bengal) and "desh" (country) - means "Country of Bengal"

former

East Bengal, East Pakistan

local long form

Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh

local short form

Bangladesh

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Marcia BERNICAT (since 4 February 2015) Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212 G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000 [880] (2) 5566-2000 [880] (2) 5566-2915

chief of mission

Ambassador Marcia BERNICAT (since 4 February 2015)

embassy

Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212

FAX

[880] (2) 5566-2915

mailing address

G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000

telephone

[880] (2) 5566-2000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Mohammad ZIAUDDIN (since 18 September 2014) 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 244-0183 [1] (202) 244-2771 Los Angeles, New York

chancery

3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Mohammad ZIAUDDIN (since 18 September 2014)

consulate(s) general

Los Angeles, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 244-2771

telephone

[1] (202) 244-0183

Executive branch

President Abdul HAMID (since 24 April 2013); note - Abdul HAMID served as acting president following the death of Zillur RAHMAN in March 2013; HAMID was subsequently indirectly elected by the National Parliament and sworn in 24 April 2013 Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA (since 6 January 2009) Cabinet selected by the prime minister, appointed by the president president indirectly elected by the National Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 April 2013 (next to be held by 2018); the president appoints as prime minister the majority party leader in the National Parliament President Abdul HAMID (AL) elected by the National Parliament unopposed; Sheikh HASINA reappointed prime minister as leader of the majority AL party

cabinet

Cabinet selected by the prime minister, appointed by the president

chief of state

President Abdul HAMID (since 24 April 2013); note - Abdul HAMID served as acting president following the death of Zillur RAHMAN in March 2013; HAMID was subsequently indirectly elected by the National Parliament and sworn in 24 April 2013

election results

President Abdul HAMID (AL) elected by the National Parliament unopposed; Sheikh HASINA reappointed prime minister as leader of the majority AL party

elections/appointments

president indirectly elected by the National Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 April 2013 (next to be held by 2018); the president appoints as prime minister the majority party leader in the National Parliament

head of government

Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA (since 6 January 2009)

Flag description

green field with a large red disk shifted slightly to the hoist side of center; the red disk represents the rising sun and the sacrifice to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the lush vegetation of Bangladesh

Government type

parliamentary republic

Independence

16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan)

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, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Bangladesh (organized into the Appellate Division with 7 justices and the High Court Division with 99 justices) 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

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

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

Legal system

mixed legal system of mostly English common law and Islamic law

Legislative branch

unicameral House of the Nation or Jatiya Sangsad (350 seats; 300 members in single-seat territorial constituencies directly elected by simple majority popular vote; 50 members - reserved for women only - indirectly elected by the elected members by proportional representation vote using the single transferable vote method; all members serve 5-year terms) last held on 5 January 2014 (next to be held by January 2019); note - the 5 January 2014 poll was marred by widespread violence, boycotts, general strikes, and low voter turnout percent of vote by party - AL 79.1%, JP (Ershad) 11.3%, WP 2.1%, JSD 1.8%, other 1%, independent 4.8%; seats by party - AL 234, JP 34, WP 6, JSD 5, other 5, independent 15; 1 seat repolled

description

unicameral House of the Nation or Jatiya Sangsad (350 seats; 300 members in single-seat territorial constituencies directly elected by simple majority popular vote; 50 members - reserved for women only - indirectly elected by the elected members by proportional representation vote using the single transferable vote method; all members serve 5-year terms)

election results

percent of vote by party - AL 79.1%, JP (Ershad) 11.3%, WP 2.1%, JSD 1.8%, other 1%, independent 4.8%; seats by party - AL 234, JP 34, WP 6, JSD 5, other 5, independent 15; 1 seat repolled

elections

last held on 5 January 2014 (next to be held by January 2019); note - the 5 January 2014 poll was marred by widespread violence, boycotts, general strikes, and low voter turnout

National anthem

"Amar Shonar Bangla" (My Golden Bengal) Rabindranath TAGORE adopted 1971; Rabindranath TAGORE, a Nobel laureate, also wrote India's national anthem

lyrics/music

Rabindranath TAGORE

name

"Amar Shonar Bangla" (My Golden Bengal)

note

adopted 1971; Rabindranath TAGORE, a Nobel laureate, also wrote India's national anthem

National holiday

Independence Day, 26 March (1971); Victory Day, 16 December (1971); 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

National symbol(s)

Bengal tiger, water lily; national colors: green, red

Bengal tiger, water lily; national colors

green, red

Political parties and leaders

Awami League or AL [Sheikh HASINA] Bangladesh Nationalist Front or BNF [Abdul Kalam AZADI] Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP [Khaleda ZIA] Bangladesh Tariqat Federation or BTF [Syed Nozibul Bashar MAIZBHANDARI] Jatiya Party or JP (Ershad faction) [Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD] Jatiya Party or JP (Manju faction) [Anwar Hossain MANJU] Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Oli AHMED] National Socialist Party or JSD [KHALEQUZZAMAN] Workers Party or WP [Rashed Khan MENON]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Ain o Salish Kendro (Centre for Law and Mediation) or ASK (legal aid and civil rights) Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity or BCWS Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee or BRAC [Sir Fasel Hasan ABED] Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry or FBCCI [Md. Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin)] Ministry of Women's and Children's Affairs or MoWCA [Meher Afroze CHUMKI] (advocacy group to end gender-based violence) Odikhar [Dr. C.R. ABRAR (human rights group) associations of madrassa teachers; business associations, including those intended to promote international trade; development and advocacy NGOs associated with the Grameen Bank; environmentalists; Islamist groups; labor rights advocacy groups; NGOs focused on poverty alleviation, and international trade; religious leaders; tribal groups and advocacy organizations; union leaders

other

associations of madrassa teachers; business associations, including those intended to promote international trade; development and advocacy NGOs associated with the Grameen Bank; environmentalists; Islamist groups; labor rights advocacy groups; NGOs focused on poverty alleviation, and international trade; religious leaders; tribal groups and advocacy organizations; union leaders

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco, pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit; beef, milk, poultry

Budget

$22.61 billion $33.72 billion (2016 est.)

expenditures

$33.72 billion (2016 est.)

revenues

$22.61 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

5% (30 October 2016) 5% (30 October 2015)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

10.41% (31 December 2016 est.) 11.71% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$1.381 billion (2016 est.) $2.58 billion (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$41.85 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $38.64 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

32.1 (2010) 33.6 (1996)

Economy - overview

Bangladesh's economy has grown roughly 6% per year since 1996 despite prolonged periods of political instability, poor infrastructure, endemic corruption, insufficient power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Although more than half of GDP is generated through the services sector, almost half of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as the single-most-important product. Garment exports, the backbone of Bangladesh's industrial sector, accounted for more than 80% of total exports and surpassed $25 billion in 2016. The sector continues to grow, despite a series of high-profile factory accidents that have killed more than 1,000 workers and crippling strikes, including a nationwide transportation blockade orchestrated by the political opposition during the first several months of 2015. Steady export growth in the garment sector combined with remittances from overseas Bangladeshis - which totaled about $15 billion and 8% of GDP in 2015 - are key contributors to Bangladesh's sustained economic growth and rising foreign exchange reserves.

Exchange rates

taka (BDT) per US dollar - 78.468 (2016 est.) 78.468 (2015 est.) 77.947 (2014 est.) 77.614 (2013 est.) 81.86 (2012 est.)

Exports

$34.14 billion (2016 est.) $31.74 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

garments, knitwear, agricultural products, frozen food (fish and seafood), jute and jute goods, leather

Exports - partners

US 13.1%, Germany 12.7%, UK 8.6%, France 5.1%, Spain 5% (2016)

Fiscal year

1 July - 30 June

GDP - composition, by end use

69.1% 5.9% 29.7% 3% 16.7% -21.3% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services

16.7%

government consumption

5.9%

household consumption

69.1%

imports of goods and services

-21.3% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital

29.7%

investment in inventories

3%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

14.8% 28.8% 56.5% (2016 est.)

agriculture

14.8%

industry

28.8%

services

56.5% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$3,900 (2016 est.) $3,700 (2015 est.) $3,500 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

7.2% (2016 est.) 6.8% (2015 est.) 6.3% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$228.4 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$629.7 billion (2016 est.) $580.1 billion (2015 est.) $537.3 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

30.9% of GDP (2016 est.) 30.3% of GDP (2015 est.) 29.1% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

4% 27% (2010 est.)

highest 10%

27% (2010 est.)

lowest 10%

4%

Imports

$40.37 billion (2016 est.) $37.86 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

cotton, machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, foodstuffs

Imports - partners

China 24.3%, India 13.4%, Singapore 5.1%, Japan 4.5% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

11.1% (2016 est.)

Industries

jute, cotton, garments, paper, leather, fertilizer, iron and steel, cement, petroleum products, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, tea, salt, sugar, edible oils, soap and detergent, fabricated metal products, electricity, natural gas

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

5.7% (2016 est.) 6.2% (2015 est.)

Labor force

72.05 million extensive migration of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Malaysia (2016 est.)

note

extensive migration of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Malaysia (2016 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

47% 13% 40% (2010 est.)

agriculture

47%

industry

13%

services

40% (2010 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$50.98 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $41.73 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $23.55 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Population below poverty line

31.5% (2010 est.)

Public debt

26.9% of GDP (2016 est.) 26.7% of GDP (2015 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$32.28 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $27.49 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$121.1 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $106.8 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$228.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) $188 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$13.24 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $12.91 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$133.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $115.3 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$25.94 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $21.44 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

9.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

4.1% (2016 est.) 4.1% (2015 est.) about 40% of the population is underemployed; many persons counted as employed work only a few hours a week and at low wages

note

about 40% of the population is underemployed; many persons counted as employed work only a few hours a week and at low wages

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

66 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

313 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - imports

26,160 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - production

4,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

28 million bbl (1 January 2017 es)

Electricity - consumption

48.98 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

96.6% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

2% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

1.6% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

11.7 million kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

55.5 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

60,300,000 60% 90% 49% (2013)

electrification - rural areas

49% (2013)

electrification - total population

60%

electrification - urban areas

90%

population without electricity

60,300,000

Natural gas - consumption

39.88 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - production

26.86 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

205.4 billion cu m (1 January 2017 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

107,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

1,802 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

85,990 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

25,720 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Broadcast media

state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) operates 1 terrestrial TV station, 3 radio networks, and about 10 local stations; 8 private satellite TV stations and 3 private radio stations also broadcasting; foreign satellite TV stations are gaining audience share in the large cities; several international radio broadcasters are available (2009)

Internet country code

.bd

Internet users

28,499,324 18.2% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

18.2% (July 2016 est.)

total

28,499,324

Telephone system

inadequate for a modern country; introducing digital systems; trunk systems include VHF and UHF microwave radio relay links, and some fiber-optic cable in cities fixed-line teledensity remains less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly and now exceeds 80 telephones per 100 persons country code - 880; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4 fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 6; international radiotelephone communications and landline service to neighboring countries (2016)

domestic

fixed-line teledensity remains less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly and now exceeds 80 telephones per 100 persons

general assessment

inadequate for a modern country; introducing digital systems; trunk systems include VHF and UHF microwave radio relay links, and some fiber-optic cable in cities

international

country code - 880; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4 fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 6; international radiotelephone communications and landline service to neighboring countries (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

772,369 less than 1 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

less than 1 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

772,369

Telephones - mobile cellular

126,391,269 81 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

81 (July 2016 est.)

total

126,391,269

Airports

18 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

5 (2017)

1,524 to 2,437 m

6

2,438 to 3,047 m

2

914 to 1,523 m

1

over 3,047 m

2

total

16

under 914 m

5 (2017)

Airports - with unpaved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

total

2

under 914 m

1 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

S2 (2016)

Heliports

3 (2013)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 25, cargo 28, chemical tanker 1, container 5, petroleum tanker 3 8 (China 1, Singapore 7) 10 (Comoros 1, Hong Kong 1, Panama 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 1) (2010)

by type

bulk carrier 25, cargo 28, chemical tanker 1, container 5, petroleum tanker 3

foreign-owned

8 (China 1, Singapore 7)

registered in other countries

10 (Comoros 1, Hong Kong 1, Panama 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 1) (2010)

total

62

National air transport system

2,906,799 182,692,553 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

182,692,553 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

2,906,799

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

30

number of registered air carriers

6

Pipelines

gas 2,950 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Chittagong Mongla Port (Sela River) Chittagong (1,392,104) (2011)

container port(s)

Chittagong (1,392,104) (2011)

major seaport(s)

Chittagong

river port(s)

Mongla Port (Sela River)

Railways

2,460 km 659 km 1.676-m gauge 1,801 km 1.000-m gauge (2014)

broad gauge

659 km 1.676-m gauge

narrow gauge

1,801 km 1.000-m gauge (2014)

total

2,460 km

Roadways

21,269 km 2,021 km 19,248 km (2010)

paved

2,021 km

total

21,269 km

unpaved

19,248 km (2010)

Waterways

8,370 km (includes up to 3,060 km of main cargo routes; network reduced to 5,200 km in the dry season) (2011)

Maritime threats

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of Bangladesh remain a risk for armed robbery against ships; in 2016, the number of attacks against commercial vessels decreased to three over 11 such incidents in 2015

Military branches

Bangladesh Defense Force: Bangladesh Army (Sena Bahini), Bangladesh Navy (Noh Bahini, BN), Bangladesh Air Force (Biman Bahini, BAF) (2013)

Bangladesh Defense Force

Bangladesh Army (Sena Bahini), Bangladesh Navy (Noh Bahini, BN), Bangladesh Air Force (Biman Bahini, BAF) (2013)

Military expenditures

1.44% of GDP (2016) 1.46% of GDP (2015) 1.36% of GDP (2014) 1.33% of GDP (2013) 1.41% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

16-19 years of age for voluntary military service; Bangladeshi birth and 10th grade education required; initial obligation 15 years (2012)

Disputes - international

Bangladesh referred its maritime boundary claims with Burma and India to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea; Indian Prime Minister Singh's September 2011 visit to Bangladesh resulted in the signing of a Protocol to the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh, which had called for the settlement of longstanding boundary disputes over undemarcated areas and the exchange of territorial enclaves, but which had never been implemented; Bangladesh struggles to accommodate 32,000 Rohingya, Burmese Muslim minority from Arakan State, living as refugees in Cox's Bazar; Burmese border authorities are constructing a 200 km (124 mi) wire fence designed to deter illegal cross-border transit and tensions from the military build-up along border

Illicit drugs

transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countries

Refugees and internally displaced persons

891,200 (Burma) (2017) (includes an estimated 615,000 Rohingya refugees who have fled conflict since 25 August 2017) 426,000 (conflict, development, human rights violations, religious persecution, natural disasters) (2016)

IDPs

426,000 (conflict, development, human rights violations, religious persecution, natural disasters) (2016)

refugees (country of origin)

891,200 (Burma) (2017) (includes an estimated 615,000 Rohingya refugees who have fled conflict since 25 August 2017)