Bangladesh
Bangladesh
- Capital
- Dhaka
- Population
- 164,689,383
- Region
- Asia
- Languages
- Bengali
Bangladesh is home to the Sundarbans, the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site serves as a vital natural barrier against cyclones and provides a unique habitat for the endangered Bengal tiger. Remarkably, the region also features the Cox's Bazar beach, which stretches over 120 kilometers and is widely considered the longest unbroken natural sandy sea beach on the planet. These ecosystems are so diverse that new species of flora and fauna are still being documented by researchers today.
Currency
The national currency of Bangladesh is the Taka, identified by the ISO code BDT. Interestingly, the term 'taka' is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word 'tankah,' which was once a general term used for silver coins throughout the Indian subcontinent for centuries.
Flag symbolism
The flag consists of a dark green field with a red disc shifted slightly toward the hoist to ensure it appears centered when the flag is flying. The green symbolizes the lushness of the country's vibrant landscape and the vitality of its youth. The red disc represents the sun rising over Bengal and serves as a poignant reminder of the blood shed by those who died during the struggle for independence. The design intentionally omitted the crescent and star found on many regional flags to emphasize a distinct secular and national identity.
Emblem history
The national emblem of Bangladesh features a water lily, the national flower, centered and floating on water. It is bordered by two sheaves of rice paddies, which represent the country's primary agricultural staple and the foundation of its economy. At the top, a sprig of jute leaves is flanked by four stars, symbolizing the four founding principles of the state: nationalism, secularism, socialism, and democracy. This emblem was adopted shortly after independence in 1971 to replace symbols of colonial and provincial administration with icons of indigenous growth and self-sufficiency.