Many people are not familiar with Bangladesh, and it is perhaps one of the most underrated countries. Some even assume it is part of India. However, it is actually one of the most populated nations n the world. There are many fun facts about Bangladesh that are fascinating to learn about.
So, if you want to learn more about this country, you are in the right place. These interesting facts about Bangladesh will help you better understand the country and maybe even plan a trip yourself.
Historical Facts About Bangladesh
A great way to understand the present state of a country is to take a look at its past. Because of this, it is crucial to understand what has happened before. Here is some historical information about Bangladesh that you must know.
Bangladesh Used To Be East Pakistan
The British ruled over India, and their time came to an end in 1947. When this happened, the states of West Pakistan (currently Pakistan) and East Pakistan (currently Bangladesh) were on opposite sides of India. That is because they had a distance of more than fifteen hundred kilometers.
Islam Was Introduced To The Country In The 9th Century
Many people associated Islam with the Mughal dynasty. While they were responsible for spreading Islam throughout Bangladesh between the 16th and 18th centuries, the religion was introduced to the country long before that. People in Bangladesh have been practicing Islam since the 9th century.
It Used To Be Under Military Rule
Democracy was only restored to the country in 1990 after a military rule of fifteen years. That is because the country has a tumultuous political history, but it has been stable for a few decades now. It is now a democratic country.
It Used To Be Home To A Third-Order Enclave
Dahala Khagrabari used to be the only third-order enclave in the world in Bangladesh. It was an Indian enclave that was surrounded by a Bangladeshi one, then an Indian one, and then Bangladesh again. However, just seven years ago, it was finally relinquished to Bangladesh.
Cultural Facts About Bangladesh
Now that you know a little bit about the history, it is time to familiarize yourself with facts about Bangladesh culture. Here are the most important ones you should know.
People Love Playing Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a sport that is a mix of tag, wrestling, and red rover. It is one of the most popular sports in the country, and people have played it since childhood. The country has also made this sport a national one as it enabled them to break away from the colonial past.
A Lot Of Bangladeshis Live Out Of The Country
More than seven million Bangladeshis don’t live in the country. Half of them live in India, around a million live in KSA, and the rest of them are dispersed throughout the Middle East. That is because a lot of people migrated out of the country to look for better opportunities and lifestyles.
The Local Cuisine Includes A Lot Of Fish
Fish takes center stage in the local cuisine because the sea and rivers surround the country. Hilsa fish is something you will find on every menu in the country. It is a bony and white fish that people love to eat with curry. Be sure to give Bangladeshi food a try, the strong flavors are a treat for the tastebuds.
Interesting Facts About Bangladesh For Kids
It is always advantageous for kids to learn about different countries and cultures. Here are some Bangladesh trivia to boost their knowledge.
More Than 700 Rivers Flow Through Bangladesh
If there is one thing that Bangladesh is famous for and abundant in, it is rivers because there are more than seven hundred of them. Because of these natural resources, Bangladesh has an incredibly green and lush landscape. A great way to explore the country is via a boat.
The Royal Bengal Tigers Could Go Extinct In Five Decades
The national animal of Bangladesh is the Royal Bengal Tiger, and it represents wrath and fearlessness. Currently, there are around three to five hundred of these tigers in Bangladesh today. Poaching is a significant problem, which means these tigers could be extinct in the next five decades.
It Recycles The Most Ships In The World
Bangladesh is known for recycling the most ships worldwide by tonnage. Chittagong is one of the most famous cities for shipbreaking yards. There are more than eighty shipbreaking yards located here that stretch along thirteen kilometers of coast.
Fun Bangladesh Facts For Travelers
As a tourist, you must know some useful facts about Bangladesh to help you make some informed decisions on your trip.
It Has One Of The Longest Beaches Worldwide
Cox’s Bazar, the longest natural beach in the world, is located in Bangladesh. It is perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations to visit. The beach has 120 km of uninterrupted coastline that you can enjoy for the entire day.
The World’s Largest Mangrove Forest Is Here
The Sundarbans Mangrove Forest is the world’s largest mangrove forest, covering an area of 539 square miles. The inhabitants of this forest include the Bengal Tiger, more than 300 bird species, the Indian python, estuarine crocodiles, and much more.
Keep in mind that this forest is difficult to access and has limited options for accommodation. Besides that, cyclones and storms are also frequent occurrences here, which is why it is not as visited.
The Historic Mosque City Of Bagerhat Is One Of The Most Famous Sites
A popular site that almost everyone visits in Bangladesh is the Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat. It is a medieval Muslim town that has been hidden in the jungle for hundreds of years now. Most of the monuments related to Islam are top attractions of the town.
Not Many Tourists Visit The Country
Bangladesh doesn’t attract many tourists each year, as it is one of the least touristy countries worldwide. The country gets around 125,000 visitors each year. Besides that, the total population of Bangladesh is around 160 million, so locals are always outnumbering tourists.
Common Facts About Bangladesh
Here are some common yet important facts about Bangladesh that you must know.
It Is One Of The Least Obese Countries
Yes, Bangladesh has one of the lowest obesity rates worldwide because the population consumes only four kilograms of meat per person each year. Other countries that often top the low obesity rates chart include India and Vietnam. Of course, the reason for being so lean is that people love consuming vegetables and many are involved in manually laborious work.
Almost 50% Of The Workforce Is Agricultural
That said, the agriculture industry employs around 50% of the workforce in the country. Bangladesh has a lush and green landscape because of the rivers and sea. It is no surprise that agriculture forms an important part of the economy.
The Flag Is Dark Green And Red
The dark green of the flag represents the landscape of the country and the Islamic faith. Besides that, the red circle in the middle symbolizes the blood shed for independence. However, it also represents the country rising anew.
Other Interesting Facts About Bangladesh
Here are some other amazing facts about Bangladesh that make this country unique.
Bangladesh Is Where Microcredit Was Born
The founder of Grameen Bank, Muhammed Yunus, began giving microcredits to women in rural areas out of his pocket in the 70s. Of course, this led to him creating the bank that gives out small loans to people. He even won the Nobel Peace Prize for this initiative in 2006.
Most Of Bangladesh’s Exports Come From Textiles
Textiles are the major export of Bangladesh, as they account for around $37 billion of the country’s total export. The total exports of the country are close to $40 billion. So, you can see the importance of textiles on the country’s GDP.
It Is One Of The Hardest Hit Countries By Climate Change
Finally, Bangladesh is one of the worst hit counties by climate change. In 2020, the country was under water in just a few weeks when the monsoon season hit the region. Because of so many rivers, Bangladesh is incredibly prone to flooding.
What’s interesting is that farmers are innovating and finding new ways to continue their agriculture ways on water through aquaponics and other methods.
Nonetheless, climate change also means more flooding. So, if you want to visit Bangladesh, consider avoiding the main monsoon season.
Discovering More Fun Facts About Bangladesh
These are some of the interesting facts about Bangladesh to know. It might not be the top tourist destination for everyone, but it still has a lot to offer to people that want to visit. You will benefit from incredible beaches, lush landscapes, mangrove forests, and much more.
Besides that, the people are incredibly humble and helpful. All of these fun facts about Bangladesh make it a fascinating country to visit at least once in your life. So, if you are looking for a less touristy place to visit, be sure to add Bangladesh to your list.
