Facts:

• Population of ≈175 million
• Population density of ≈1350 people/km² – 21 times the global average

Reasons for overpopulation:

• High birth rate – People have many children to support family
  → 3/5th of population live in rural areas, need to help out with farming
• Low education – In 2024, Bangladesh ranked 113th out of 141 countries on the Global Knowledge Index. 
• Social and cultural expectations – Encourages people to have many children as it is a norm

Problems of overpopulation

• Unemployment – Roughly 40% of Bangladeshi youth are not in education, employment or training – twice the global average
  → Lower standard of living (lack electricity, clean water), lower quality of life
• Traffic congestion – Air and noise pollution → Lung problems, acid rain, high stress levels
• 1 qualified doctor for ≈2000 people, WHO recommends 1:1000 ratio – Hard to get medical treatment quickly and easily
• Infectious diseases may spread faster in overcrowded areas