Bangladesh
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Capital
Dhaka
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Local time
0:52
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Population
164.12 m
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Driving side
Left
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Calling code
+880
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Currency
৳ BDT (taka)
Bangladesh
-
Capital
Dhaka
-
Local time
0:52
-
Population
164.12 m
-
Driving side
Left
-
Calling code
+880
-
Currency
৳ BDT (taka)
-
Average Salary
$ 340
-
Petrol price
€ 1.30 pl
-
Precipitation
2 666mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
147 570 km2
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Protected Area
5%
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Forest Area
11%
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Agricultural area
69%
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Railways
2835km
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Annual air passengers
3.82 m
Population
-
Ethnicity
Bengali - 98 %
tribal groups
non-Bengali Muslims
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Religion
Islam - 83 %
Islam - 83 %
Hindu - 16 %
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Literacy rates
72.8%
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Languages
Bangla
English
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Armed Forces
220 950
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Murders
3 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
0.2 l/person
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Smoking
39.8%
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Diabetes
8.3%
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Malaria
1%
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Tuberculosis
225 per 100k
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HIV
0.1%
Economy
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Industries
jute, cotton, garments, paper, leather, fertilizer, iron and steel, cement, petroleum products
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Agriculture
rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco, pulses, oilseeds
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Natural Resources
natural gas, arable land, timber, coal
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Energy Import
16%
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Natural Resources
natural gas, arable land, timber, coal
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Renewable Energy
37%
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CO2 Emissions
73 190kt
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Ease of Business
177 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
7
What not to do when visiting Bangladesh
Don't point your finger at people in Bangladesh - it's seen as rude. Gesture with the palm of your hand instead.
Don't forget handshake is a standard greeting between members of the same sex - although it may feel a bit limp. Women will rarely extend the hand for greeting - always wait and don't initiate it if you're a man. Traditional Muslim greeting here is "Asalamu Alaikum", and the response is "Wa Alaikum Salam".
Don't lose your temper or show emotion in public or when doing business - it may lead to loss of face and meaning loss of dignity and respect. Same applies for using too direct language like saying strong "No" directly to the person.
Did you know?
If children cheat during a test in Bangladesh, they can be sent to prison. There is also a replica of the Taj Mahal in Bangladesh, funded by the millionaire, Asanulla Moni.
Don't be surprised with smaller personal space and soft touches in same-sex conversations. Bangladeshis are indirect communicators and communicate in longer contextualised sentences which only make sense when correctly understood the body language.
Don't cross the hierarchy respect - older people are naturally viewed as wise and are granted respect. Age also dictates how people are addressed - if people are the same age, thy use first names. If the person addressed is older, the person is addressed by first name and a suffix denoting family relationship.
Don't forget on formal etiquette when doing business - businessmen should be addressed as "Bahadur" (Sir), while women may be addressed as "Begum" (Madam) - it may be used with or without the surname.
Don't give a "super" gift - the importance of gifts is in the thought rather than the value. It's considered rude to offer a gift which is difficult to reciprocate.
Don't give alcohol, products containing non-halal meat to Muslims, money and avoid giving flowers of frangipanis (they are used at funerals).
Did you know?
Bangladesh has a higher population than Russia.
Don't forget to wash your hands before the meal - many people eat with their hands. Asking for utensils is not impolite - it's okay. Meals are usually with the same sex only.
Don't start eating until the oldest person at the table begins.
Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Don't use left hand when eating, passing drinks or dishes.
Don't say "No, I'm full" when asked to take more food - it's better to pace yourself to allow for more servings.
Don't be surprised when you are not able to exchange the local currency (Bangladesh taka) for US dollars or other foreign currency unless you have a ticket to leave Bangladesh.
Don't let the mosquito to bite you - check the best options of prevention to avoid malaria and other mosquito-spread diseases.
Don't necessarily use the regional ferry travel in the days around religious festivals and other holidays - they are often dangerously crowded.
Don't forget consensual same-sex sexual activity is criminalised and penalties include up to life imprisonment.
Don't forget the monsoon season takes place between June-October. It may hamper overland travel and essential services in the country.
Don't drink tap water in Bangladesh - it's not drinkable.
Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Don't necessarily drive in Bangladesh - the roads are extremely crowded, poorly maintained and traffic, in general, is poorly maintained.
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