Verified Facts
The population of Bangladesh is comprised of a diverse range of ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups, with approximately 172.0 million people living in the country.
Quick Facts
Population Overview
Bangladesh has one of the highest population densities in the world, with an estimated 1163 people per square kilometer. The country's population has been growing steadily over the past few decades, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. However, this growth rate has been declining in recent years due to a decrease in fertility rates. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 27.0 years, and the majority of the population lives in rural areas, although urbanization is increasing rapidly.
The population of Bangladesh is expected to continue growing, albeit at a slower rate, and is projected to reach 200 million by 2030. The country faces significant challenges related to population growth, including providing adequate healthcare, education, and employment opportunities to its growing population. Urbanization is also a major trend in Bangladesh, with many people moving to cities in search of better economic opportunities. The capital city, Dhaka, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and is home to over 20 million people.
The population of Bangladesh is also characterized by significant internal migration patterns, with many people moving from rural areas to urban centers in search of work. This has led to the growth of megacities, such as Dhaka and Chittagong, and has put pressure on the country's infrastructure and services. However, the government has implemented various initiatives to manage population growth and urbanization, including family planning programs and urban development projects.
Ethnic Groups
| Ethnic Group | Percentage | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengali | 98.0% | Nationwide | Dominant ethnic group |
| Chakma | 0.5% | Chittagong Hill Tracts | Indigenous group |
| Santhal | 0.3% | Northwest | Tribal group |
| Bihari | 0.2% | Urban areas | Urdu-speaking community |
| Rohingya | 0.1% | Southeast | Refugee community |
| Garo | 0.1% | Northeast | Indigenous group |
The ethnic landscape of Bangladesh is characterized by a dominant Bengali population, which makes up approximately 98.0% of the total population. However, there are also several smaller ethnic groups, including the Chakma, Santhal, and Garo, who are indigenous to the country. The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group from Myanmar, also live in Bangladesh, primarily in refugee camps in the southeast. The country has a relatively homogeneous ethnic profile, but there are still significant regional variations and cultural differences.
Languages
- Bengali is the official language and is spoken by the vast majority of the population
- English is widely used as a second language, particularly in urban areas and among the educated elite
- Urdu is spoken by the Bihari community, who are primarily concentrated in urban areas
- Indigenous languages, such as Chakma and Santhal, are spoken by smaller ethnic groups
- There are also several endangered languages, including the languages of the Garo and Rohingya communities
Religions
| Religion | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Islam | 90.0% | Official state religion |
| Hinduism | 9.0% | Significant minority |
| Buddhism | 0.5% | Primarily practiced by indigenous groups |
| Christianity | 0.3% | Small but significant minority |
| Other | 0.2% | Includes smaller minority groups |
The majority of the population in Bangladesh practices Islam, which is the official state religion. However, there are also significant minority groups, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. The country has a relatively tolerant and diverse religious landscape, although there have been instances of interfaith tension and conflict. The government has implemented various initiatives to promote religious harmony and understanding, including education programs and interfaith dialogue.
Age Distribution
| Age Group | Percentage | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 | 27.0% | Significant youth population |
| 15-24 | 23.0% | Large working-age population |
| 25-54 | 43.0% | Dominant working-age group |
| 55-64 | 5.0% | Aging population |
| 65+ | 2.0% | Small but growing elderly population |
Urbanization & Major Cities
- The urban population is growing rapidly, with an estimated 39.0% of the population living in urban areas
- Dhaka is the largest city, with a population of over 20 million people
- Chittagong is the second-largest city, with a population of over 5 million people
- Other major cities include Khulna, Sylhet, and Rajshahi
- The country is experiencing significant internal migration, with many people moving from rural areas to urban centers in search of work and better living standards