Bangladesh Facts
- Population: 140 million 
- Average annual income: US $380
- Life expectancy: 59 years
- 71 % of women are illiterate
- 16 million people live in shanty towns
- Over 40 million people live on less than $1 a day

Poverty and Floods
Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971. Today Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world, as well as one of the poorest. Although the country is very fertile, it is also prone to cyclones and flooding.

Agriculture does not provide enough jobs for the expanding population, 75% of whom live in the countryside. The average annual income is only $380, and malnutrition and illiteracy are widespread.

Islamic Relief in Bangladesh

Islamic Relief began work in Bangladesh in 1991, helping the victims of a tropical cyclone. Islamic Relief has continued its efforts in relief and development, and is helping more than 85,000 people with its current projects alone.

Current Islamic Relief projects in Bangladesh include: Orphan Sponsorship Program, Mother and Child Healthcare, Vocational Training, and Water and Sanitation programs.