Why is Bangladesh's Population Booming?

Summary

Bangladesh, a small country with a population of about 163 million, is one of the world's most densely populated countries. Despite its size, it has more people than Russia. The population boom began in the 1970s due to high fertility rates driven by poverty, cultural values, and agricultural needs. Over 90% of the population are Muslim, with large families being treasured. The fertile Ganges Delta also contributed to this growth. Today, Bangladesh is a South Asian success story, with a thriving garment industry, rising literacy rates, and increasing foreign investment, showcasing the nation's resilience and resourcefulness.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Bangladesh is home to the world's largest delta, the Ganges Delta.
• 🐅 The country is known for its famous Bengali tigers.
• 👗 Bangladesh is the world's second largest garment exporter.
• 🌍 Despite its small size, Bangladesh has a large population of around 163 million people.
• 🏞️ The land area of Bangladesh is 148,000 km², which is smaller than Tunisia and slightly smaller than the state of Iowa.
• 📈 Bangladesh has a very high population density with about 1,200 people per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
• 📜 Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 and was previously known as East Pakistan.
• 🌾 Agriculture, particularly in the fertile Ganges Delta, has historically been a major part of Bangladesh's economy, necessitating large families for labor.
• 🕌 Over 90% of Bangladesh's population is Muslim, and cultural values place a high importance on large families.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The country's population growth was influenced by economic needs, cultural values, and agricultural demands, leading to a steady increase from the 1970s to the 1990s.
• 💪 Since independence, Bangladesh has made significant economic progress, reducing poverty and increasing income per capita.
• 🏙️ Urbanization has been on the rise in Bangladesh, yet cultural and religious influences still play a significant role in population growth.
• 📚 Bangladesh has a literacy rate of 74% among adults, with an annual growth rate of around 6%, indicating a focus on education.
• 💼 The garment industry is the most important export sector in Bangladesh, attracting foreign investment and driving economic growth.

Q & A

What is the size of Bangladesh's land area?

Bangladesh's land area is 148,000 km².

How does the population of Bangladesh compare to that of Russia?

Bangladesh has a population of about 163 million people, which is more than Russia's population, even though Russia is the world's largest country by land area.

What is the population density of Bangladesh?

Bangladesh has a population density of around 1,200 people per square kilometer, making it one of the world’s most densely populated countries.

When did Bangladesh gain independence and from whom?

Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 from Pakistan, after a battle for independence supported by Indian troops.

What percentage of Bangladesh's population is Muslim?

Over 90% of Bangladesh's population is Muslim.

What are some reasons behind the high fertility rates in Bangladesh?

High fertility rates in Bangladesh are influenced by poverty, cultural values that treasure large families, and practical needs for labor in agriculture.

How has the fertility rate in Bangladesh changed over time?

The fertility rate in Bangladesh has gradually slowed down over recent years. At its peak in the 1980s, the average number of births per woman was 5 to 6 children.

Why is the Ganges Delta significant for Bangladesh's population?

The Ganges Delta is one of the world’s most fertile regions, attracting people for its agricultural opportunities. This has contributed to the population growth in Bangladesh.

What economic shift has Bangladesh experienced in recent years?

Bangladesh has seen a shift from being heavily dependent on agriculture to becoming a major player in the garment industry, which is now its most important export.

How has Bangladesh's poverty rate changed since its independence?

Since independence, Bangladesh has reduced its poverty rate from over 90% in 1971 to now having a higher income per capita than Pakistan, with a significant portion of the population no longer living in poverty.

What is the literacy rate in Bangladesh?

The literacy rate in Bangladesh is 74% among adults, with an annual growth rate of around 6%.

How does the cultural value of family impact population growth in Bangladesh?

In Muslim culture, which dominates Bangladesh, the family is central, and large families are valued. Children are seen as a joy, asset, and future caregivers, encouraging higher birth rates.

What historical and cultural factors contributed to the rapid population growth in Bangladesh post-independence?

Post-independence, economic struggles, high fertility rates due to poverty, cultural values, and the need for agricultural labor contributed to the rapid population growth.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 Geographic and Cultural Overview of Bangladesh

This paragraph introduces Bangladesh, highlighting its geographical features like the Ganges Delta and its cultural aspects such as the Bengali tigers. It also touches on the country's status as the world's second-largest garment exporter. The focus then shifts to the country's population, emphasizing its high density and comparing it with other countries like Russia and India. The paragraph sets the stage for understanding the factors that contribute to Bangladesh's large and dense population.

05:06

📈 Historical and Cultural Factors Driving Population Growth

This paragraph delves into the historical background of Bangladesh, starting from its time as East Pakistan and the struggle for independence in 1971. It discusses the initial economic struggles and the surge in population growth due to poverty and lack of family planning. The cultural influence of Islam is explored, explaining how large families are valued in Muslim culture, which contributes to the high fertility rates. The paragraph also mentions the practical benefits of having many children in terms of labor and old-age support, which has sustained the population growth over the decades.

Keywords

💡Ganges Delta

The Ganges Delta is the world's largest river delta, shared by Bangladesh and the Indian state of Bengal. It is a highly fertile region supporting around 135 million people and is critical for agriculture. This delta has historically attracted people due to its agricultural opportunities, contributing to the large population in Bangladesh.

💡Bengali Tigers

Bengali tigers are a famous species found throughout the countryside of Bangladesh. These tigers are emblematic of the country's rich wildlife and are a significant part of its natural heritage.

💡Garment Exporter

Bangladesh is the world's second-largest garment exporter. This industry is crucial for the country's economy, providing employment to millions and contributing significantly to its GDP.

💡Population Density

Population density refers to the number of people living per square kilometer. Bangladesh is one of the world's most densely populated countries, with around 1,200 people per square kilometer. This high density is a result of both historical and cultural factors, including the need for agricultural labor and the value placed on large families.

💡East Pakistan

East Pakistan was the name of Bangladesh before its independence in 1971. Despite sharing the same religion with West Pakistan, the Bengali people of East Pakistan felt culturally different and discriminated against, leading to their fight for independence and the establishment of Bangladesh.

💡1971 Independence

In 1971, Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan with the help of Indian troops. This event marked a significant turning point in the country's history, leading to the formation of a new nation with its unique cultural and economic challenges.

💡Fertility Rate

The fertility rate in Bangladesh, particularly in the 1980s, was high, with an average of 5 to 6 children per woman. This high fertility rate was driven by cultural, economic, and religious factors, including the need for agricultural labor and the value placed on large families in Muslim culture.

💡Muslim Culture

Over 90% of Bangladesh's population is Muslim. In this culture, family is central, and having many children is seen as a blessing. Large families are valued for providing old-age support, labor, and prestige, contributing to the country's high population growth.

💡Agriculture

Agriculture has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economy, especially from the 1970s. The fertile Ganges Delta supports extensive farming, requiring large labor forces often provided by large families. This reliance on agriculture has significantly influenced the population growth and demographic patterns in Bangladesh.

💡Urbanization

Urbanization in Bangladesh has been on the rise since the 1970s. Despite this shift, the population growth rate remained steady, indicating that cultural and religious factors played a more significant role in population dynamics than the economic transition from rural to urban living.

💡Economic Growth

Bangladesh has seen significant economic growth since its independence, transitioning from widespread poverty to a more prosperous nation. Key factors include its large labor force, booming garment industry, and increased foreign investment, contributing to a higher income per capita than neighboring Pakistan.

Highlights

Bangladesh is the world’s second biggest garment exporter.

The population of Bangladesh is about 163 million people, making it more populous than Russia.

Bangladesh has one of the world’s highest population densities, with around 1,200 people per square kilometer.

In 1971, East Pakistan won its independence from Pakistan and became Bangladesh.

The early 1970s saw economic struggles in Bangladesh, leading to a surge in population growth due to high fertility rates.

Over 90% of Bangladesh's population are Muslim, influencing the country's high fertility rates and large family sizes.

In the 1980s, the average number of births per woman in Bangladesh was 5 to 6 children.

The Ganges Delta is one of the world’s most fertile regions, attracting people for its agricultural opportunities.

Agriculture was the backbone of Bangladesh's economy in the 1970s, requiring large families for labor.

From the early 1970s to the early 1990s, Bangladesh's population grew at a steady rate of about 2% per year.

Bangladesh has transitioned from over 90% of its population living in poverty in 1971 to a higher income per capita than Pakistan.

Bangladesh's income per capita has risen to $2,000 USD, compared to Pakistan’s $1,190 USD.

While many Bangladeshis are still employed in agriculture, the garment industry is the most important export sector.

Bangladesh has a literacy rate of 74% with an annual growth rate of around 6%.

The nation’s large population has been a key factor in boosting its economic performance and attracting foreign investment.

Transcripts

Bangladesh. You may think of the Ganges Delta, the world’s largest. Maybe the famous Bengali

tigers that roam throughout the countryside. Or you might even know Bangladesh as the world’s

second biggest garment exporter. How about population? Being in South Asia

you probably assume Bangladesh has a large population, even though it is a small country.

And you’d be right. But first, let’s look at how big Bangladesh

is. The land area is 148,000 km². That’s smaller than Tunisia, which is 163,000 km².

It’s slightly smaller than the state of Iowa.

Here come the big numbers – the Bangladesh population is about 163 million people. That’s

seriously huge. And here’s the thing – there are more people living in Bangladesh than

Russia. Yes Russia, the world’s biggest country,

at 17 million km² has less people than Bangladesh. Which means an incredibly high population

density. Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries with around

1,200 people per square kilometer. This is almost three times as dense as its neighbour,

India. Pretty amazing. So how did it get to this?

The best way to fully understand how so many people live in Bangladesh is to take a tour

of the country. To start, we have to go back in time. To 1971,

to be precise. Bangladesh used to be known as East Pakistan.

Although the region shared the same religion as Pakistan, it was culturally different.

They were Bengali people and felt they were often discriminated against.

In 1971 East Pakistan won a battle for independence from Pakistan, with the help of Indian troops.

They were jubilant and renamed the new country Bangladesh. Initially, the new nation faced

economic struggles and in the early 1970s many people were struggling to make ends meet.

This led to the first surge in population growth. Poverty can lead to high fertility

rates as many people may not have access to family planning information. Conversely, many

families want to have large numbers of children in the hope they can find work and contribute

to their family. If you’re living under the poverty line,

more children can earn more money. So – more procreation. Children are also seen as future

carers for their parents and grandparents.

At this stage Bangladesh’s population was about 65 million. It was to grow rapidly.

Time to delve deeper into Bangladesh for more answers. If you look around, it doesn’t

take long to realize there is a significant Muslim population. Very significant in fact.

Over 90% of the population are Muslim. The cultural implications are important and can

give us an even greater insight as to why Bangladesh has such a mighty population.

The family is the center of everything in Muslim culture. And at the center of the family

is the mother, or the child bearer. Children are sacred and so large families are treasured.

Three to four children is to be expected. A large family is seen as healthy and vibrant.

In fact it is said that “wives are a place of sowing of seed for you, so come to your

place of cultivation”. In Bangladesh this has certainly held true.

It is thought that having large numbers of children not only represents a healthy family

but in a practical sense they can also provide old-age support, honour and prestige.

While the fertility rate has gradually slowed down over recent years, Bangladesh Muslims

have never felt the restrictions of strict limits to children per family. Because children

are seen as a joy and an asset, the number of large families in Bangladesh remained consistent

throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s. At its peak in the 1980s, the average number

of births per woman in Bangladesh was 5 to 6 children.

However it isn’t just the influence of Muslim culture that led to such a boom. In order

to fully understand the reasons behind the large Bangladesh population we have to go

south. Let’s head to the Ganges Delta, the world’s

largest river delta. The Ganges Delta is shared by Bangladesh and

the Indian state of Bengal. Around 135 million people live on the Delta and at least 300

million are dependent on it for agriculture. This gives us another hint as to why Bangladesh’s

population boomed. Historically, delta regions have always drawn people from less fertile

areas for the farming and agricultural opportunities. The Ganges Delta is one of the world’s most

fertile regions. From the 1970s, the bulk of the Bangladesh

economy was based around agriculture, with cereal, rice and livestock being the major

sources of industry. To make a living from farming and agriculture,

a healthy labor supply is critical. And it is here that we can see yet another

crucial factor behind the Bangladesh population size. To make a living from farming you need

as many hands as possible. This translates to as many children as possible. A family

of six or seven can produce a lot more than a family of four. Plus, agricultural work

is tough. There are fields to plow, crops to plant,

crops to maintain, livestock to feed, livestock to look after. As soon as they’re able,

children are put to work – whether it be digging, ploughing, picking or planting.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Bangladesh was highly dependent on agricultural exports and income.

Families on the Delta needed plenty of children not just for labor but to then support their

parents in old age. Extra children were also encouraged in case

of disease or illness which can have an effect on family numbers. The pattern was repeated

from generation to generation. If we couple this very real need for children

with a Muslim belief that large families are invaluable then we can start to understand

the patterns leading to Bangladesh’s population size.

Initial spurt due to survival reasons and then sustained, regular growth based on cultural

values and economic needs. From the early 1970s until the early 1990s

the Bangladesh population grew at a steady rate of about 2% per year. Interestingly,

this was roughly the same rate as the urbanization of Bangladesh.

As more and more people flocked to the cities, the population continued to rise at the same

rate. This suggests that religious and cultural factors have been more of an influence than

the those relating to the support of an agricultural economy.

As you might expect from a country that had to fight for its independence, Bangladesh

has become something of a South Asian success story. It has used its healthy population

to boost economic performance and is continuing to grow.

Bangladesh has gone from over 90% of people living in poverty in 1971 to now boasting

a higher income per capita than old rival Pakistan. Bangladesh has now risen to $2,000

USD compared to Pakistan’s 1190 USD. While a large portion of the population are

still heavily employed in agriculture, an equally large number of urbanized Bangladeshis

are contributing to the massive garment industry, which is easily the most important export

in the country. Bangladesh continues to attract foreign investment

and is focusing on more technical industries. A large population can be a good thing, especially

if literate. 74% of adults are literate with an annual growth rate of around 6%.

Bangladesh is a relatively young nation and has shown incredible resourcefulness and tenacity.

The future can only get brighter. A nation’s population is truly its most

valuable resource.