Bangladesh has a population of around 170 million people in an area roughly the size of Greece, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The overwhelming majority are Bengali — sharing language, literature, and much of their culture with the Bengali-speaking population across the border in the Indian state of West Bengal. The 1971 war of independence, fought against the Pakistani army at enormous human cost, remains central to Bangladeshi identity.
About 90 percent of the population is Muslim. Islam shapes daily life — the call to prayer, religious observance, the rhythms of Ramadan and Eid — but the practice is generally moderate, and the culture retains strong pre-Islamic Bengali traditions. Around 9 percent of the population is Hindu, and temples and puja ceremonies are a visible part of life, particularly in Dhaka's old city and in parts of the countryside.
The hill tracts in the southeast are home to a dozen or more indigenous peoples — the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Mro, and others — who are ethnically, linguistically, and religiously distinct from the Bengali majority. Most are Buddhist or animist. Their relationship with the Bangladeshi state has been complicated by land rights disputes and periods of serious conflict. Visiting these communities respectfully, and where possible with local guides from the communities themselves, is the better approach.
Bangladeshis are, by almost universal traveler report, exceptionally hospitable. Invitations to tea and genuine curiosity about foreigners are common. English is widely spoken in Dhaka, in universities, and in the business world, but not universally in rural areas. Learning even a few words of Bangla will be received warmly.