Bangladesh

Languages:

Bangladesh, a South Asian country, has a predominantly monolingual population, with Bengali (also known as Bangla) being the official and most widely spoken language, used by around 98% of the population. Bengali is the sixth most spoken language in the world and holds immense cultural significance, with a rich literary history. Apart from Bengali, several indigenous minority languages are spoken, including Chakma, Marma, and Santali, among others. Due to historical ties and foreign influences, English is widely used as a second language, especially in government, education, and business sectors.

Religion:

Religion plays a significant role in Bangladesh, with the majority of the population practicing Islam. Approximately 90% of Bangladeshis identify as Muslim, predominantly adhering to the Sunni branch. The remaining population is diverse in religious beliefs, with around 8% identifying as Hindu, making it the second-largest religious group in the country. Smaller religious communities, such as Buddhists and Christians, collectively account for about 2% of the population. Bangladesh is known for its religious tolerance, with various religious groups coexisting and celebrating their respective festivals and customs harmoniously.

Ethnic Groups:

Bengali at least 98%, other indigenous ethnic groups 1.1% (2011 est.) note: Bangladeshs government recognizes 27 indigenous ethnic groups under the 2010 Cultural Institution for Small Anthropological Groups Act; other sources estimate there are about 75 ethnic groups; critics of the 2011 census claim that it underestimates the size of Bangladeshs ethnic population