Bangladesh: A Nation Facing Demographic Transition
Population Growth and Projections
Bangladesh, the eighth most populous country globally, is experiencing significant demographic shifts. As per the 2022 Census, the nation's population stands at almost 220 million, accounting for over 2% of the world's population. Projections indicate that Bangladesh's population will reach 170 million by 2020 and 186 million by 2030.
Aging Population and Declining Fertility
Meanwhile, Bangladesh's population is aging. The median age in the country is currently 28 years, and it is expected to rise to 32 years by 2030. This trend is accompanied by a declining total fertility rate (TFR). While the TFR was 6.3 children per woman in the early 1970s, it has now fallen to 2.0.
Urbanization and Challenges
Bangladesh is also undergoing rapid urbanization. Currently, 40.9% of the population resides in urban areas, a figure that is projected to increase to 50% by 2030. This urbanization trend brings with it challenges such as housing shortages, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation.
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