Bangladesh: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Bangladesh 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Bangladesh: 129
  • Happiness Score Bangladesh:3.886

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Bangladesh. BD.
    • It is a parliamentary democracy with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
    • Notable cultural aspects include its rich history, diverse language and literature, and traditional music and dance forms.
    • Economically, Bangladesh is known for its thriving textile and garment industry, as well as its significant contributions to agriculture and seafood production.

    Bangladesh – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History: The Cradle of Ancient Civilizations

    The territory that now comprises Bangladesh has been a fertile ground for ancient civilizations since the Chalcolithic period (dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE). The ancient kingdoms of Pundravardhana, Vanga, and Samatata flourished in this region, leaving behind a rich tapestry of cultural and architectural marvels.

    Kingdoms and Empires: A Kaleidoscope of Dynasties

    Bangladesh has been under the rule of various dynasties and empires throughout its history. The Maurya Empire, the Gupta Empire, the Pala Empire, and the Sena Empire have all left their indelible mark on this land. Later, the Bengal Sultanate and the Mughal Empire held sway, contributing to the region’s diverse cultural and architectural heritage.

    Colonial Period: The British Raj

    In the 16th century, the region came under the rule of the Mughal Empire. However, by the late 18th century, the East India Company had established a firm foothold, and Bangladesh eventually became a part of British India. This period saw significant developments in infrastructure, education, and trade but also marked the beginning of a struggle for independence.

    Independence and Modern Era: The Birth of a Nation

    After a tumultuous political journey, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation in 1971 after a bloody war of liberation from Pakistan. The decades following independence have been marked by political instability, military coups, and natural disasters. However, Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in various sectors, including poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, and economic development.

    Current Political Situation: A Vibrant Democracy

    Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy, with the Prime Minister as the head of government and a President as the ceremonial head of state. The Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party are the two major political parties. Recent elections have been contentious, but the country remains committed to democratic principles.

    International Relations: A Strategic Player

    Bangladesh has maintained relatively cordial relations with its neighbors, India and Myanmar, despite occasional tensions. It is an active member of regional organizations like SAARC and the OIC. Bangladesh has also played a significant role in hosting and supporting Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar.

    Human Development and Economy: Emerging Potential

    Bangladesh has made impressive strides in economic growth and human development in recent years. Its economy is driven by sectors like garments, agriculture, and remittances. Despite challenges, the country has made notable progress in areas such as poverty reduction, education, and healthcare.

    Cultural Highlights: A Tapestry of Traditions

    Bangladesh boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a diverse array of traditions, festivals, and art forms. The country is predominantly Muslim, but it also has sizable Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities. Bengali literature, music, and cuisine are renowned globally, with figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam leaving an indelible mark.

    Bangladesh faces challenges such as climate change, political instability, and income inequality, but its resilient people and vibrant culture hold the promise of a brighter future.

    Travel Tips for Bangladesh

    Visiting Bangladesh offers a unique cultural experience steeped in rich history and traditions. Here are some essential travel tips:

    Best Times to Visit:

    The ideal time to visit Bangladesh is during the dry season, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing.

Main facts

1. Location

Bangladesh is situated in South Asia, bordered by India to the north, west, and east, and Myanmar to the southeast, with the Bay of Bengal to the south.

2. Map References

Bangladesh is located in Southern Asia, bordering the northern tip of the Indian Ocean.

3. Area – Comparative

Bangladesh has an area slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Iowa.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Total: 4,413 km
Border countries: India 4,142 km, Myanmar 271 km

5. Coastline

Bangladesh has a coastline of 580 km along the Bay of Bengal.

6. Maritime Claims

Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
Contiguous zone: 18 nautical miles
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
Continental shelf: up to the outer limits of the continental margin

7. Climate

Bangladesh has a subtropical monsoon climate, with a warm, humid summer from March to June, and a dry, cool winter from December to February. The country experiences heavy rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season from June to October.

8. Terrain

Bangladesh is predominantly a flat, low-lying country, with some hilly regions in the southeast. The major landscape features include the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, the Khulna Sundarbans mangrove forest, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

9. Elevation Extremes

Lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Highest point: Keokradong 1,230 m

10. Natural Resources

Natural resources in Bangladesh include natural gas, arable land, manganese, limestone, and high-quality ceramic clay.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The major rivers in Bangladesh include the Padma (principal river of the Ganges in Bangladesh), the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra), and the Meghna. Bangladesh also shares the Sundarbans mangrove forest and the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta with India.

12. Natural Hazards

Bangladesh is prone to cyclones, floods, and tidal surges, particularly in the coastal regions. The country also experiences droughts, earthquakes, and riverine erosion.

13. Geography – Notes

Bangladesh is a low-lying, riverine country, with most of its land situated within the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, making it highly vulnerable to climate change effects, such as sea-level rise and increased flooding. The country faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 11.00%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 84,246. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 70.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  23.68499490.356331.
  • Capital: The capital of Bangladesh is  Dhaka
  • Major Cities:
    CityPopulation
    Dhaka8.906 million
    Chittagong2.592 million
    Khulna663,342
    Rajshahi449,756
    Sylhet463,198
  • Population: 167,310,838
  • Area(Km2): 148460
  • Population Density( P/Km²):1,265. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:880
  • Official Language(s):Bangladesh is Bengali (Bangla) with 98% of the population speaking it.
  • Currency: BDT

Main Economic Indicators

Bangladesh has a rapidly growing market-based economy with a low but rising per capita income. Since implementing economic reforms in the 1990s, the country has made significant strides in increasing its GDP and reducing poverty. However, challenges remain, including inadequate infrastructure, corruption, and slow trade liberalization. Notable policies focus on developing export-oriented industries and promoting foreign direct investment.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2022: 8.9% (Source: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics)
2021: 5.6% (Source: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics)

Credit Ratings

Moody’s: Ba3 (Stable)
Fitch: BB- (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB- (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 12.1%
Industry: 35.4%
Services: 52.5%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco, pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit
Industrial Products: Garments, knitwear, agricultural products, frozen fish and seafood, jute and jute goods, leather

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 67.4 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 8th largest in the world

Current Account Balance

2022: -$4.6 billion
2021: -$3.7 billion
Comparative Ranking: 165th in the world

Exports and Imports

Exports: $52.1 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, France
Main Commodities: Garments, knitwear, agricultural products, frozen fish and seafood, jute and jute goods, leather
Imports: $89.2 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: China, India, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia
Main Commodities: Machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, food items, base metals, petroleum

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $34.5 billion (as of April 2023)
Gold Reserves: 14.1 tonnes (as of December 2022)

  • GDP (Current US$):$302,571,254,131. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 8.80%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 33.40%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.12. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.51. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 4.19%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

Nationality: Bangladeshi (noun) / Bangladeshi (adjective)

Ethnic Groups

– Bengali 98%
– Other ethnic groups (including indigenous communities) 2%

Religions

– Islam 89.1%
– Hinduism 10%
– Other religions 0.9%

Age Structure

– 0-14 years: 26.53%
– 15-64 years: 67.84%
– 65 years and over: 5.63%

Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 47.4
Youth dependency ratio: 39.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 8.3

Median Age

Total: 27.6 years
Male: 26.9 years
Female: 28.3 years

Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 3.6% of the adult population
Alcohol consumption: 0.2 liters per capita (among drinkers only)
Tobacco use: 35.3% of the adult population
Life expectancy at birth: 72.6 years (70.3 years for males, 75 years for females)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 72.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 76.2%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:18.18. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 75.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 60,987,417. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):71.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The military of Bangladesh consists of three branches: the Bangladesh Army, the Bangladesh Navy, and the Bangladesh Air Force. There are also specialized paramilitary and auxiliary forces, including the Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Coast Guard, and the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps. The Bangladesh Police is responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement.

Military Expenditures

Bangladesh’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2018: 1.2%
  • 2019: 1.3%
  • 2020: 1.3%
  • 2021: 1.2%
  • 2022: 1.1%

Bangladesh ranks among the top 50 countries globally in terms of military spending.

Personnel Strengths

The total active-duty military personnel in Bangladesh is approximately 160,000, with the following breakdown:

  • Army: 130,000
  • Navy: 16,000
  • Air Force: 14,000

Additionally, the paramilitary forces, including the Border Guard Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Coast Guard, account for over 60,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Bangladesh’s military hardware includes a mix of domestically produced and imported equipment. The army operates main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery systems. The navy has frigates, patrol craft, and submarines. The air force has fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. Notable acquisitions include Chinese K-8 training aircraft, Russian Mi-17 helicopters, and Turkish KAPLAN armored vehicles.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Bangladesh is voluntary. The age range for voluntary military service is 17-25 years for non-commissioned officers and 17-30 years for officers. Bangladesh does not have a mandatory military service requirement.

Military Deployments

Bangladesh contributes personnel to several United Nations peacekeeping missions, including in the Central African Republic, Mali, and South Sudan. Additionally, Bangladeshi troops are deployed as part of the Saudi-led Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition.

Strategic Military Notes

Bangladesh’s defense strategy focuses on territorial integrity, counterterrorism, and disaster response capabilities. As a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Bangladesh plays an active role in international peacekeeping operations under the UN. The country maintains close military ties with China, Russia, and Turkey for equipment acquisitions and training.

  • Armed Forces Size: 163000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.58
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 59.00%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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