Geography of Bangladesh, Travel
Bangladesh is located in South Asia and can be located on a map using the geographic coordinates of 24°N, 90°E. The country is very marshy as it is situated in a low-lying coastal area and experiences a lot of annual rainfall. Unfortunately, the country suffers from floods, cyclones, tornadoes and tidal bores on an annual basis. However the country also enjoys very fertile soil and an extensive network of rivers that is advantageous to agriculture. There are a few distinct features of Bangladeshi Geography that are worth noting.
Bangladesh covers an area of roughly 144,000 square kilometers. This area can be divided into two distinct areas – a broad deltaic plain and a small hilly region. The deltaic plain is the larger of the two and has wonderfully fertile soil. It is also subject to frequent flooding. The hilly area is found in the southeast of the country and is made up of the Chittagong Hills. The country shares its borders with India and Burma (aka Myanmar) and has roughly 600 kilometers of beautiful coastline. Bangladesh is also dotted by rivers and streams – many of which culminate in the picturesque Bay of Bengal. Roughly 16% of Bangladesh is covered with forest and woodland and, as a result, the country is able to harvest large quantities of timber, bamboo and sugarcane. The Sundarbans on the southwest coast serve as a popular tourist destination due to their housing the world-renowned Royal Bengal Tiger. If you plan to see wildlife whilst visiting Bangladesh, this is the best place to do it.
The extensive network of rivers and streams play a very large role in the lives of the people of Bangladesh. Currently there are about 700 rivers in Bangladesh that can be divided into five major water networks – the Jamuna-Brahmaputra, the Padma-Ganges, the Suma-Meghna, the Padma-Meghna and the Karnaphuli. The rivers are the main water source in the country and are used for drinking, fishing, transport and cultivation. There is also a hydroelectric power plant on the Karnaphuli Dam so the water is used to generate a portion of the country’s electricity. While the annual flooding of these rivers does hinder development to some extent, it also brings with it rich silt deposits that replenish the soil and help to keep it fertile.
Because of the Geography of Bangladesh, the country has a mostly monsoon climate. This means that the country has high rainfall in certain seasons, high temperatures and high humidity. If you are visiting between March and June, you can expect hot and humid weather. The monsoon season takes place between June and November and it is during this time that the country will see some 80% of its annual rainfall. The period from December to February is generally recognized as Bangladesh’s winter and is characterized by warm or hot dry weather. It is not recommendable to visit during the monsoon season. If you are planning a trip, remember to bring your raincoat as well as your cotton shirt. Scant clothing is not recommended.
