Bangladesh

Bangladesh is slightly smaller than the state of Wisconsin at 55,597 square miles. CAPITAL: DHAKA

Population Bangladesh has a population of over 152 million people. Is 8 th between Nigeria and Russia Language: Bengali

Religion Nearly 90 % are Muslim. The remaining 10 % are primarily Hindu.

Currency Bangladeshi currency is called the taka.

Government The parliament (like our Congress) determines the laws in Bangladesh and has 345 seats. Seats are filled by representatives that are elected every five years. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina President Abdul Hamid

INDEPENDENCE British partitioned the Indian subcontinent and created Pakistan Pakistan consisted of two regions – West Pakistan and East Pakistan – separated by 1,100 miles of Indian territory. East Pakistan seceded from the nation, causing a civil war

INDEPENDENCE India joined the conflict on the side of the East Pakistanis. In 1971, East Pakistan became the independent nation of Bangladesh. Bangladesh had many reasons for separating from Pakistan:

REASONS Pakistan: mountainous nation with many ethnic groups; Bangladesh: share the same culture. By 1970, East Pakistan paid more taxes than West Pakistan, but the government was dominated by West Pakistanis. Flood in 1970 killed more than 300,000 Pakistanis. East Pakistan accused the government of delaying shipments of food and relief supplies to the victims.

Economy Agriculture: largest industry: 2/3 of work force. Farmers grow rice, tea, jute, wheat, potatoes, and sugar cane. Jute- plant used to make thread and fabric.

Textiles Third in the world for textile production, behind China and Turkey.

Water Water is a major feature Bangladesh is crossed by three major rivers— the Padma, Jamuna, and Meghna—all join together to empty into the Bay of Bengal.

Fertile Soil The deposits from the three major rivers contribute to very fertile soil.

Life Along The River Live near the rivers in small huts made of whatever materials they can find. Some houses are built on stilts so flood water won't destroy the home.

Flooding A flood in 1998 covered more than two-thirds of Bangladesh in water. 30 million people homeless and over 1000 died