Once part of ancient Bengal, Bangladesh's history includes periods under the Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal Empires. In 1757, it came under British rule as part of India. Following the partition of India in 1947, it became East Pakistan but struggled under political and economic oppression. In 1971, Bangladesh fought for independence in a brutal war against Pakistan, achieving sovereignty. Since then, it has developed rapidly, facing challenges such as political instability and climate change but emerging as a significant global textile producer.
Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia, bordered by India to the west, north, and east, Myanmar to the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the south. It covers an area of approximately 147,570 square kilometers, making it one of the most densely populated countries globally, with a population exceeding 160 million people. The capital and largest city is Dhaka. The official language is Bengali. Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation in 1971 after a war of independence from Pakistan. The country is characterized by its fertile plains and extensive river systems, notably the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. The economy has seen significant growth in recent decades, driven by the textile industry, agriculture, and remittances from overseas workers. Bangladesh is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.