The Geography of Pakistan & Bangladesh
Pakistan and Bangladesh share a complex history. Both countries emerged from the chaotic partition of British India in 1947. They were one country, but with Bangladesh later seceded from Pakistan in 1971.
Despite being over 1,000 miles apart, West Pakistan (modern-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (modern-day Bangladesh) were made one country by the British because they both had majority Muslim populations. However, Pakistan's varied landscapes and ethnic composition contrast with Bangladesh's more homogeneous society and low coastal plains.
Pakistan
The creation of Pakistan was rooted in the Indian independence movement and the desire of Muslims in British India to have a separate state. The All-India Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, argued that Muslims and Hindus in British India had separate identities and interests.
After years of protests, the Partition of India took place in August 1947. The massive Indian subcontinent was divided into India (with a Hindu majority) and Pakistan (with a Muslim majority, divided into East and West).
The partition led to massive population transfers and communal violence. Pakistan faced immediate challenges, including integrating diverse ethnic groups, establishing governance structures, and managing relations with India, particularly over the disputed region of Kashmir.
Geographically, Pakistan is home to northern highlands with some of the world's highest peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth.
The Karakoram and Himalaya ranges dominate this region, providing significant glacial and snow-fed rivers like the Indus, which is crucial for Pakistan's water supply.
The Indus River Plain is the agricultural heartland of Pakistan, stretching across Punjab and Sindh provinces. The fertile plains are nourished by the Indus River, and see wheat and cotton as important crops for the economy. Pakistan's coastline along the Arabian Sea is also vital for trade through ports like Karachi.
The Thar Desert in southeastern Pakistan also extends into India. It is one of the largest deserts in the world, with extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall. The Balochistan Plateau is also known for its arid conditions. Even though the plateau is rich in minerals and natural gas, it remains underdeveloped and sparsely populated due to its harsh environment.
Pakistan's population is over 240 million, making it the world's fifth-most populous country. The country is home to many ethnic groups, including Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtuns, Baloch, and Mohajirs.
Urdu is the national language, but many regional languages are spoken, reflecting the country's cultural diversity. Islam is the state religion, with much of the population being Muslim. This religious homogeneity has played a central role in shaping Pakistan's national identity and politics.
Bangladesh
The creation of Bangladesh resulted from political, economic, and linguistic discrimination by the Pakistani government against East Pakistan. In 1952, the Bengali Language Movement demanded recognition of Bengali as a national language, highlighting a cultural rift between East and West Pakistan. East Pakistan was economically marginalized, despite contributing significantly to Pakistan's economy.
In 1970, elections saw the Bengali Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, win a majority. However, Pakistani leadership refused to transfer power. In 1971, following a brutal crackdown by the Pakistani army, East Pakistan declared independence as Bangladesh. The subsequent war, with support from India, ended with the creation of Bangladesh in December 1971.
Bangladesh is a low-lying country, dominated by the Ganges River Delta. It is the world's largest river delta and an extremely fertile area. However, it is also susceptible to flooding and cyclones. Most of Bangladesh consists of flat, low-lying plains. The extensive river systems support agriculture, making Bangladesh one of the world's largest producers of rice and jute (a natural fiber used for packages).
Bangladesh has a population of over 170 million. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with over 3,100 people per square mile.
The population is predominantly Bengali, with Bengali being the official language. This linguistic and cultural unity has been a cornerstone of national identity. Islam is the predominant religion, with Hindus and other religious minorities
Bangladesh's economy is reliant on agriculture. In recent decades, the ready-made garment industry has become a crucial part of the economy, making Bangladesh one of the top garment exporters in the world.
Dhaka, the capital, is a major economic and cultural center. Other significant cities include Chittagong, Khulna, and Sylhet. Urbanization is rapidly increasing, although a large portion of the population still lives in rural areas.