Bangladesh Population 2026: 170M People, Vast Empty Land
Bangladesh is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet: 170M people across 147,570 km², giving a density of 1,152/km².
GDP per capita stands at $2,700: among the lower-income economies globally. The capital, Dhaka, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Bangladesh's Population
With a population of 170M, Bangladesh is home to a significant number of people within its 147,570 km² of territory. The population density of 1,152/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: one of the lowest densities in the world, with vast open and largely uninhabited spaces.
The capital city, Dhaka, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has a coastline of 580 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Bangladesh has a total GDP of $460B, translating to $2,700 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Taka (BDT).
Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Bengali, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the South Asia region, Bangladesh sits alongside Afghanistan (40.1M), India (1.43B), Pakistan (231M). This regional context helps illustrate how Bangladesh's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangladesh's Population
What is the population of Bangladesh in 2026?
The population of Bangladesh is approximately 170M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Bangladesh?
The capital city of Bangladesh is Dhaka, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a population density of 1,152/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a GDP per capita of $2,700, with a total GDP of $460B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Bangladesh?
The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali.
How big is Bangladesh?
Bangladesh covers a total area of 147,570 km². With a population of 170M, that gives a density of 1,152/km².
When did Bangladesh gain independence?
Bangladesh gained independence in 1971.
What currency is used in Bangladesh?
The official currency of Bangladesh is the Taka (BDT).
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