The Country: The people's Republic of Bangladesh.                             

History: Bangladesh emerged as an independent country in 1971 through a nine-month heroic struggle for liberation. Its fertile alluvial soil and sub-tropical climate had offered easier livelihood and attracted different races from far and wide for settlement here from time immemorial. As a democratic country Bangladesh is pursuing well orchestrated economic goals for consolidating its socio-economic base. 

Location, Topography & Climate: The country is located in South Asia; between 20˚34' and 26˚38' northern latitude and between 88˚1' and 92˚1' eastern longitude. It has plain fertile alluvial land in sub-tropical monsoonal climate. 

Area: 147,570 square km. 

Capital City: Dhaka 

Standard Time: GMT +6 hours. 

Population: 129.25 million; 834 persons/sq.km. (2001 Census) 

Literacy rate: 62%  

Language: Bangla is the sole vernacular, local dialects are sparsely spoken. English is widely used. 

Export items: Garments, shrimps & frozen fishes, leather goods, raw jute, jute goods, tea, agroprocessing products etc.