Verified Facts

Official NamePeople's Republic of Bangladesh
CapitalDhaka
Population169.8 million
Area147,570 km² (56,977 sq mi)
LanguagesBengali
CurrencyBangladeshi taka (à§³)
TimezoneUTC+06:00
RegionAsia / Southern Asia
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API

Quick Facts

Land Area147,570 km2, about the size of Iowa
Highest PointSaka Haphong, 1,052 meters
Lowest PointIndian Ocean, 0 meters
Coastline580 km
BordersIndia, Myanmar
Climate Typetropical monsoon

Location & Borders

Bangladesh is situated in South Asia, nestled between India to the west, north, and east, and Myanmar to the southeast. The country is bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the south, which provides a significant coastline and access to the Indian Ocean. Bangladesh's strategic location allows for trade and cultural exchange with neighboring countries, as well as with other nations across the Bay of Bengal and beyond. The country's borders are largely defined by natural features, including the Ganges River and the Brahmaputra River, which flow through the country and provide fertile soil and water resources.

The country's location in a seismically active region makes it prone to earthquakes, and its low-lying coastal areas are vulnerable to cyclones and storm surges. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh's unique geography has also created a diverse range of ecosystems, from mangrove forests to river deltas, which support a wide variety of flora and fauna. The country's borders with India and Myanmar are largely peaceful, with several border crossings and trade routes facilitating the exchange of goods and people between the countries.

Terrain & Landscape

Bangladesh's terrain is characterized by a low-lying deltaic plain, with the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system dominating the landscape. The country's terrain is generally flat, with some hilly regions in the northeast and southeast. The Chittagong Hill Tracts, located in the southeast, are the most mountainous region in the country, with tropical forests and wildlife sanctuaries. The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is located in the southwest and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, crocodiles, and dolphins.

The country's rivers play a crucial role in shaping the landscape, with the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers flowing through the country and providing water and fertile soil for agriculture. The river deltas are also home to a wide variety of fish and seafood, which are an important source of food and income for many Bangladeshis. The country's coastline is approximately 580 kilometers long, with several beaches and ports along the way. The Cox's Bazar Beach, located in the southeast, is one of the longest natural sea beaches in the world, stretching over 120 kilometers.

Bangladesh's geological history is complex, with the country's terrain shaped by tectonic activity and erosion over millions of years. The country's soil is generally fertile, with alluvial deposits from the rivers providing a rich source of nutrients for agriculture. However, the country's geological instability also makes it prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, cyclones, and floods.

Climate By Season

SeasonMonthsTemperature RangeRainfallConditions
WinterDecember to February10-20°CLowCool and dry
SummerMarch to May25-35°CLowHot and humid
MonsoonJune to September25-30°CHighRainy and stormy
AutumnOctober to November20-25°CMediumMild and pleasant

Best Time To Visit

Best months: October to February. Why: The weather is mild and pleasant, with low humidity and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Avoid: June to September, as the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and flooding, making travel and outdoor activities difficult.

Natural Highlights

  • The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger and crocodiles.
  • The Chittagong Hill Tracts are a mountainous region in the southeast, with tropical forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
  • The Cox's Bazar Beach is one of the longest natural sea beaches in the world, stretching over 120 kilometers.
  • The Lawachara National Park is a protected area in the northeast, known for its tropical forests and wildlife, including elephants and monkeys.
  • The Kaptai Lake is a large man-made lake in the southeast, created by the construction of the Kaptai Dam, and is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
  • The Madhupur National Park is a protected area in the north, known for its tropical forests and wildlife, including deer and birds.