President: Zillur Rahman Prime minister: Sheikh Hasina Wajed
President: Yahya Jammeh
Population
161,083,804
1,840,454
Life Expectancy
70.060 years
63.820 years
Capital City
Dhaka
Largest city
Dhaka (population: 10,356,500)
Brikama (population: 77,700)
Human Development Index
0.524
NA
GDP per capita
$1,700 US
Literacy Rate
43.1%
40.1%
Corruption Perception Index
2.1
NA
Percentage of Women in Parliament
0%
NA
Wealthiest Citizens
Unemployment Rate
5.000%
Death Penalty
Legal
NA
Political System
parliamentary democracy
republic
Independence date
16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan); note - 26 March 1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is known as Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of Bangladesh
Religions
Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, other 1% (1998)
Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%
Languages
Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English
English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
Exports
garments, jute and jute goods, leather, frozen fish and seafood
External Debt
$25,220,000,000 $
Exchange Rate
taka (BDT) per US dollar - 68.554 (2008 est.), 69.893 (2007), 69.031 (2006), 64.328 (2005), 59.513 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
1.300%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal
Area
143,998 km sq
11,295 km sq
Coastline
580 km
80 km
Climate
tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)
tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
