Rapid expansion following the pattern of rural exodus has resulted in considerable rebuilding in the city centre and mushrooming suburban development elsewhere. Norzin Lam, the recently upgraded main thoroughfare, is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings.

Geographical location: South Asia. Surrounded by India and Above Myanmar

Capital: Dhaka

Best time to go: January to March, November to December

Currency: Taka

Weather/Seasons: Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon-type climate, with a hot and rainy summer and a dry winter. January is the coolest month and May the warmest. Most rains occur during the monsoon (June-September)

Transportation: Airplanes, Bus/Coach Services, Railways, Country-made boats, Car Rental

Languages Spoken: Bangla (Official Language), English

Sports/Recreation: Football (Most poupular), Field Hockey, Cricket, Tennis, Badminton, Wrestling, Kite Flying, Kabadi

Cuisine: The staples of Bangladeshi cuisine are rice, atta (a special type of whole wheat flour), and at least five dozen varieties of pulses, the most important of which are chana, toor (pigeon pea or red gram), urad (black gram) and mung

Ethnicity: Bangalees (98%), Biharis (250,000), Tribal (<1 million)

Population: 153,546,896 (July 2008 est.)

Religion: Islam (80%), Hinduism (16 %), other religions include Buddhism and Christianity

Economy: Bangladesh is an agricultural country. The land is devoted mainly to rice and jute cultivation

Government: Parliamentary Democracy

Security: Bangladesh continues to be very vulnerable to natural catastrophes, as evidenced by the floods and the cyclone in 2007, which destroyed most harvests and rural homes.  Armed robbery and theft is a problem especially in poor urban areas. Pick pocketing and purse snatching are common and directed at foreign travelers. Travelers should avoid walking or taking public transport at night because of crime

Visa Matters: Most nationalities require a visa which is valid for 90 days travel six months from issue date. Passports must be valid within three months of departure date. Although some visas are available on arrival these are limited and inconsistently ‘given out’. Visa fees depend on embassy and nationality. Israelis are denied entry. A return or onward ticket is required and departure tax depends on onward destination.

Bangladesh Flag

Tourist Attractions

• Sundarbuns
• Kaptai
• Kuakata
• Mainamati
• Cox’s Bazar
• Himchari
• Inani
• Ramu

Accommodations

• Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka (5-star)
• Best Western La Vinci Hotel (3-star)
• Sea Gull Hotel Cox’s Bazar (3-star)
• Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka (3-star)
• Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka (5-star)
• Traveler Inn (Hostel)
• Green House Bed and Breakfast (Guesthouse)

Flights

• Emirates
• Thai Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• Saudi Arabian Airlines
• Oman Air
• United Airways Bangladesh
• Qatar Airways
• Air Asia
• GMG Airlines
• Air Arabia
• Kingfisher
• Akal Air
• China Eastern
• PIA
• Malaysia Airlines
• Air-India Express
• Druk Air
• Gulf Air
• Etihad Airways
• Indian Airlines
• Jet Airways
• Dragonair/Hong Kong Dragon Airlines
• Air India
• Singapore Airlines
• Kuwait Airways
• Afriqiyah Airways