Where is bangladesh on the map?

By HotBotUpdated: August 29, 2024

Answer

Geographical Location

Bangladesh is a South Asian country located on the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is bordered by India on its west, north, and east sides, and shares a southeastern border with Myanmar (Burma). The geographical coordinates of Bangladesh are approximately 23.6850° N latitude and 90.3563° E longitude.

Proximity to Major Cities

The capital city of Bangladesh is Dhaka, which is situated almost in the heart of the country. Dhaka is approximately 240 kilometers (149 miles) east of Kolkata, India. Chittagong, the primary seaport and second-largest city, lies in the southeastern part of the country, along the Bay of Bengal. Sylhet, known for its tea gardens, is located in the northeastern region, whereas Khulna, an industrial city, is in the southwest near the Sundarbans mangrove forest.

Topographical Features

Bangladesh is predominantly a low-lying deltaic country. The landscape is primarily formed by the confluence of the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna rivers and their tributaries. The land is mostly flat and fertile, which makes it highly suitable for agriculture. The Chittagong Hill Tracts in the southeastern region are the only significant highland areas, reaching elevations up to 1,052 meters (3,451 feet) at Keokradong, the highest peak in Bangladesh.

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Climate and Environmental Aspects

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by heavy seasonal rainfall, high temperatures, and high humidity. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to October, brings the majority of the annual rainfall. The country’s river systems and low-lying topography make it particularly susceptible to flooding during the monsoon season. Cyclones and tidal surges from the Bay of Bengal are also common natural hazards.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Bangladesh boasts a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. It was part of ancient Bengal, known for its contributions to art, literature, and philosophy. The region was a significant part of the Maurya and Gupta empires in ancient India. In more recent history, Bangladesh was part of British India and later became East Pakistan before gaining independence in 1971 after a bloody liberation war. Dhaka, as the capital, is a hub of cultural and economic activities, featuring numerous historical landmarks such as the Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, and the Shaheed Minar.

Economic and Demographic Insights

With a population exceeding 160 million people, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing. The country is one of the world's largest producers of textiles and garments, which are exported globally. In recent years, Bangladesh has experienced significant economic growth, driven by a burgeoning middle class, expanding urbanization, and increasing foreign investments.

Strategic Importance

Bangladesh's geographical position makes it strategically significant in South Asia. It serves as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, with potential access to markets in both regions. The country has been investing in improving its infrastructure, including ports, roads, and railways, to enhance its connectivity and trade potential. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is one example of regional cooperation that highlights Bangladesh's importance.

Tourism and Natural Attractions

Despite being a relatively small country, Bangladesh offers a variety of natural and cultural attractions. The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to the endangered Bengal tiger. Cox's Bazar boasts the longest natural sea beach in the world, stretching over 120 kilometers (75 miles). Other notable attractions include the ancient city of Bagerhat, the tea estates in Sylhet, and the archaeological remains at Paharpur and Mahasthangarh.

Political Landscape

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy, with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) is a unicameral legislative body. The country has a multi-party system, with the Bangladesh Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) being the two leading political parties. The political landscape has been marked by periods of instability and conflict, but democratic institutions have gradually strengthened over the years.

Understanding where Bangladesh is on the map involves more than just pinpointing its location. It requires an appreciation of its geographical features, cultural heritage, economic significance, and strategic importance. Each aspect contributes to the unique identity of this South Asian nation. Whether you are looking at it from the perspective of a traveler, a historian, an economist, or a geopolitical analyst, Bangladesh offers a multifaceted view that is both intriguing and complex.