/ People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Overview
Bangladesh is a country located in South Asia, situated on the fertile delta of the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna rivers. It is bordered by India to the west, north, and east, and Myanmar to the southeast, with the Bay of Bengal forming its southern coastline. Bangladesh covers a land area of approximately 148,460 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 176.9 million as of February 2026, making it one of the most densely populated nations in the world. The country is a parliamentary republic administratively divided into eight divisions: Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh; and 64 districts.
In 2025, the GDP reached approximately US$519 billion, and per capita GDP was US$2,960. Bangladesh's economy is increasingly dominated by the service sector, which accounts for c.51.2% of its GDP, led by trade, transport, and financial services. Private consumption and export-oriented manufacturing are the primary drivers of economic growth. The country’s economy is a global powerhouse in the textile industry, serving as the world's second-largest exporter of ready-made garments (RMG), which account for over 80% of its total export earnings. Its largest trading partners are China, India, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Bangladesh produces significant quantities of rice, jute, and tea, and has a rapidly growing pharmaceutical and shipbuilding industry. The digital economy and Information Technology (IT) services are expected to be major future growth drivers. Additionally, the tourism sector has seen renewed focus, contributing c.3.0% to the GDP in 2025. The country's industrial sector represents approximately 37.7% of its GDP and employs about 21% of the workforce, while the agricultural sector accounts for c.11.2% of GDP and employs 45% of the total labor force. Imports of refined petroleum, raw cotton, and machinery are among the highest in the country, with top import partners being China, India, and Indonesia.
Bangladesh has a storied history as part of the historical Bengal region, characterized by ancient Buddhist and Hindu dynasties followed by centuries of Muslim rule. The nation emerged as an independent state in 1971 after a bloody Liberation War against Pakistan. Since then, Bangladesh has undergone a remarkable socio-economic transformation into one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia.
