Is Bangladesh a Huge Country? Exploring its Size and Demographics

Often, discussions about population size overshadow the conversation about the land area of countries. Bangladesh, despite its impressive population, is classified as a relatively small nation. Let's delve into the exact dimensions of this

Land Area and Population

Bangladesh, with its land area measuring at approximately 147,570 square kilometers (56,977 square miles), does not qualify as a massive country in terms of its size. However, it stands out for its population density and demographic significance. The current area of Bangladesh is 147,181 square kilometers, which can be converted to 57,320 square miles. This slightly varied measurement further corroborates the precision of the reported land dimensions.

Historically, the land area has been reported as 134,208 square kilometers (51,818 square miles). While these slight variations in reported figures point to the complexities of land measurement, the overall picture paints a clear picture of Bangladesh's modest yet significant size in the region.

Density and Projections

Bangladesh's size is often overshadowed by its population. According to the United Nations Population Division, the nation is projected to maintain its ranking as the 8th most populous country in the world by 2024. By that date, the population is estimated to reach approximately 175.79 million, making it one of the most densely populated countries globally.

Currently, Bangladesh hosts over 166.3 million people, a number that significantly exceeds the population of some larger countries. To encapsulate this densely populated nature: if Russia, with a population of about 146.5 million, were divided into 12 equal parts, each part would contain the population of Bangladesh.

Comparison with Other Regions

Compared to neighboring states like Orissa, Bangladesh's land area is approximately 1.5 lakh square kilometers, or 150,000 square kilometers. This makes it roughly equivalent to the size of Orissa. However, this area makes Bangladesh stand out as the 115th largest country by land area in the world, highlighting its relatively small size despite its significant population.

For a more comprehensible comparison, consider this: if Russia, which is the world's largest country by land area (17,098,246 square kilometers or 6,601,670 square miles), were to be divided into 115 equal parts, each part would be equivalent to the land area of Bangladesh.

While Bangladesh's size is modest, its people and culture have significant regional and global influence. The nation's rich history, diverse ecosystems, and bustling urban centers contribute to its vibrant presence in South Asia and beyond.

Conclusion

In summary, Bangladesh is not considered a massive country in terms of land area. However, its impact is immense due to its dense population, cultural significance, and strategic location. As the population continues to grow, the nation will remain a focal point in regional and global discussions.