Bangladesh is home to nearly 170 million people, making it the eighth most populous country in the world. Because of its relatively small land area, it has one of the highest population densities of any non-city-state globally. Despite this, population growth has slowed significantly over the past few decades, thanks to highly successful family planning and grassroots health campaigns.
Demographically, the population is relatively young, providing a substantial demographic dividend for the workforce. Ethnically, the country is incredibly homogenous, with Bengalis comprising over 98% of the population. The remaining population includes various indigenous groups, primarily concentrated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and northern border regions, such as the Chakma, Marma, and Santhal peoples.
Islam is the dominant religion, practiced by approximately 91% of the population. Hinduism is the second-largest religion (around 8%), with Buddhism and Christianity making up the remainder. Bengali is the universal official language, though English is widely understood and utilized in higher education, law, and business.