Geographical Features

Geographical Features and Their Influence on Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a country located in South Asia. It is bordered by India to the west, north, and east, and
Myanmar to the southeast. The country has a coastline of about 711 kilometers on the Bay of Bengal.
Bangladesh has a varied geography, with two main physical features: a broad deltaic plain and a small hilly
region. The delta plain is formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. The
hilly region is located in the southeast of the country and is home to the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Map of Bangladesh
Geography of Bangladesh:
The total border of Bangladesh is 5138 km. Bangladesh is bordered by two countries: India and Myanmar.
India: India shares a border with 30 districts of Bangladesh which is about 4156 km.
Myanmar: Myanmar shares a border with 3 districts of Bangladesh (Rangamati, Bandarban and
Cox's Bazar) which is about 271 km.
Water Border: Bangladesh has about 711 km of border with the Bay of Bengal.
Geographical features of Bangladesh:
1. River Systems: Bangladesh is renowned for its extensive river networks, including the Ganges
(locally known as Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna rivers. These rivers form the Bengal
Delta, the largest river delta in the world, which is highly fertile and supports extensive agriculture.
2. Deltaic Plains: The Bengal Delta covers most of Bangladesh, characterized by flat, low-lying plains
formed by sediment deposits from the rivers. These plains are incredibly fertile, making Bangladesh
one of the world's largest producers of rice.
3. Coastline: Bangladesh has a coastline stretching about 580 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. The
coastal region includes sandy beaches, mudflats, and mangrove forests.
4. Mangrove Forests: The Sundarban, shared with India, is the largest mangrove forest globally and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its home to diverse wildlife, including the iconic Bengal tiger.
5. Hills and Plateaus: In the southeastern part of Bangladesh, there are hills and plateaus, including the
Chittagong Hill Tracts. These areas are characterized by higher elevations compared to the rest of the
country and have a different demographic and cultural profile.
6. Flooding and Cyclones: Bangladesh is prone to flooding due to its low-lying deltaic plains and
annual monsoon rains. Cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal also frequently affect the coastal
regions, causing significant damage.
7. Climate: Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
The country experiences three distinct seasons: hot and humid pre-monsoon, rainy monsoon, and
cool and dry post-monsoon.
8. Natural Resources: Bangladesh has limited natural resources but is notable for its natural gas
reserves, which are crucial for its energy needs.
Influence of Geographical features on Bangladesh:
Bangladesh, located in South Asia, has a diverse range of geographical features that significantly influence
various aspects of the country's life and development:
Economy: The geographical features of Bangladesh have a significant influence on the country's economy.
The delta plain is very fertile and supports a large agricultural sector. The country is also a major producer
of jute, a fiber used to make textiles. The hilly region is home to a variety of forests and wildlife, which
provide a source of timber and other forest products.
Culture: The geographical features of Bangladesh have also had a significant influence on the country's
culture. The delta plain is home to a large number of rivers, which have played an important role in
transportation and communication. The hilly region is home to a variety of ethnic groups, each with its own
unique culture.
Environment: The geographical features of Bangladesh have also had a significant impact on the country's
environment. The delta plain is prone to flooding, which can cause widespread damage. The hilly region is
also vulnerable to erosion and landslides.
Political life: The geography of Bangladesh significantly shapes its political life by influencing issues such
as disaster management, environmental sustainability, land use policies, international relations, and regional
geopolitics. Bangladesh's geographic location between India and Myanmar, and its access to the Bay of
Bengal, gives it strategic importance in South Asia.
Maritime trade: Bangladesh's coastline along with the Bay of Bengal is crucial for maritime trade, fishing
industries, and potentially oil and gas exploration.
Land Scarcity and Population Density: Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the
world, and land scarcity is a critical issue. The pressure on land resources leads to competition, conflicts
over land use, and migration from rural to urban areas.
Urbanization and Settlement Patterns: The geography of Bangladesh has shaped settlement patterns, with
densely populated urban areas and rural communities largely dependent on agriculture and fisheries.
Social life: The geography of Bangladesh profoundly influences its social life by shaping settlement
patterns, livelihoods, agricultural practices, disaster vulnerability, transportation networks, urbanization
trends, cultural diversity, and identity dynamics.
Conclusion:
The geographical features of Bangladesh have a significant influence on the country's economy, culture,
politics, societal structure and environment. The delta plain is very fertile and supports a large agricultural
sector. The hilly region is home to a variety of forests and wildlife. The river systems facilitate
transportation and fishing, while the coastal areas face challenges from natural disasters and environmental
changes like sea-level rise.

Geographical Features

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Geographical Features

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Geographical Features and Their Influence on Bangladesh

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Influence of Geographical features on Bangladesh:

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