Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with 120 million people living in an area smaller than a small US state. It has low elevation, with 90% of the land less than 30 feet above sea level, making it prone to severe and frequent flooding from monsoons and typhoons. However, the annual flooding also fertilizes the soil, allowing the country to produce rich crops throughout the year without expensive fertilizer.

1. Bangladesh

2. Bangladesh? Where is it?

3. Bangladesh Map

4. With a population of 120 million people
packed into a land mass no bigger then a
small US State, Bangladesh has the
distinction of being one of the most
densely populated countries of the world.

5. Bangladesh's Elevation Extremes
The lowest point is at the Indian Ocean
(0 ft.) The highest point is at Keokradong 4035
ft high.

6. 90% of the land area of
Bangladesh is situated
on a vast alluvial delta
where the flat
countryside rarely rises
30 feet above sea level.

7. Because of the low elevation, severe monsoons, and
frequent typhoons, flooding is very common.

8. More flooding…

9. And yet more flooding…

10. This is both a blessing and a curse. While the
floods destroy crops and endanger the lives
of people and animals, the annual deluge
also brings fertility to the soil, allowing for rich
crops through the rest of the year without the
use of expensive fertilizer.

11. Girls at government school…

12. One of the
biggest causes
for sickness and
death in
developing
nations is unsafe
water used for
drinking and
cooking. These
inexpensive
wells save lives
and improve the
quality of life for
whole villages

13. To help provide income for her family this
girl spends her days making "dung sticks"
used for cooking fuel.