Bangladesh

A mostly Muslim-populated country on the Bay of Bengal between Burma and India, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. With the help of international development assistance, Bangladesh has reduced the poverty rate from over half of the population to less than a third, achieved Millennium Development Goals for maternal and child health, and made great progress in food security since independence. The economy has grown at an annual average of about 6% for the last two decades. In 2021, the UN approved a resolution to allow Bangladesh to officially graduate from least-developed-country (LDC) status in 2026, based on World Bank criteria. Most people live in rural areas and work in agriculture, or in the garment industry, which is the second largest globally following China. Handcraft production, using jute and other materials to create baskets, rugs, pottery, and more, creates much-needed secondary incomes, especially for people in rural areas.