Bangladesh became independent in 1971 from Pakistan. It is one of the world's most densely-populated countries. The area of Bangladesh is about 144,000 sq. miles and a population of 120 million. About 72% of the population live on agriculture having an average life span of 55 years. The literacy rate is 27%. Per capita annual income is about $220 US. Medical facilities in Bangladesh are very inadequate to provide minimum basic treatment to its population. The total capacity of the beds in Government hospitals and Health complexes is 34,000. Private hospitals and clinics can accommodate 7500 patients. Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh with a population of nine million.

Area
145,000 sq. km

Population
120,000,000 million; density - 800 per sq. km.

Annual growth rate
2%

Climate
The three main seasons are October-February: Cold season; March-May: Hot & dry season; June-October: Rainy season. April averages 35C with 90- October-February: Cold season; March-May: Hot & dry season; June-October: Rainy season. April averages 35 C with 90-95% humidity.

Electricity
220 V/50 cycles AC with round two-prong connections.

Exports
Jute, clothes, shellfish, tea, leather.

Flag

It is similar to the Japanese flag except for the background which is green to represent the rich vegetation of Bangladesh; The red centre is for the blood shed in the freedom struggle. The flag was flown from the rebel Embassy in Calcutta from the beginning of the liberalisation in 1971.

Foreign Aid
main donors are Canada, Japan, US and the UK.

Gross Domestic Product
24,000 million US

Health
one hospital bed per 3,200 persons; one doctor for every 5200 persons

Holidays
Every Friday; March 26th Anniversary of Independence.

Income
average annual - $220 per capita.

Infant Mortality
115 per 1000 live births

Language
Bengali

Life expectancy
55(m) 58(f)

Literacy Rate
Adult average 33%: male - 44%, fem. - 23%

Male/female ratio
106:100

Marriage
girls age at first marriage rose from 16 in 1974 to 18 in 1991.

Money
Taka are not easy to get outside Bangladesh. Bank opening hours: M-F 09:00-16:30; Sat.09:00-12:00. Visitors need ID for travellers checks.

Religion
86% Moslem; 12% Hindu; 1% Buddhist; 1% Animists and Christian

Rice
18 million tons.

Time
3 hours behind Japan; 15 min. ahead of Nepal and half an hour ahead of India.

Trade
With US, E.U. and Japan