The People of Bangladesh
The national identity of Bangladesh has changed dramatically since the country gained independence in 1971. A large part of being Bangladeshi has grown to include the embrace of Islam, the religion that has taken over the region in recent decades. Identity is strongly tied to the Bengal language as well. Many people of Bangladesh say they feel a strong connection to the land-water landscape of their culture, including the Ganges river. Music and dance that pre-date British colonization are vital to the culture. The society is very patriarchal as are many Islamic societies across the globe. Bangladesh is also one of the most populated countries in the world at around 163 million people, and due to its small land area it has become the twelfth densest country in the world, only to follow islands and other small land-locked states. Less than forty percent of the people in Bangladesh live in cities, and poor transport and infrastructure disconnects those living in rural areas. The poverty rate is at nearly 25%. Despite its challenges, the small nation of Bangladesh is growing rapidly as an economic power as shown by its increasing GDP and the decreasing poverty rate. The People of Myanmar Between 60 and 135 different ethnic groups reside in Myanmar, making it one of the most diverse countries in the world. The Rohingya minority make up around four percent of the country's people, but nearly forty percent of Myanmar's total population is comprised of minorities. An attempt at cultural assimilation has been made by the central government to assert control over the highlands where many of these minorities live. Despite the large emphasis on "being Burmese", each ethnic group is very separated from the others, and very solid lines are drawn between groups in terms of culture. Burmese society is a very patriarchal society with males dominating public and private life. Unlike its neighbor, Myanmar is centered on Buddhist principles. Due to the takeover by Ne Win in the 1960s, it has been illegal to teach any language other than Burmese, and additionally foreign teachers were kicked out of the country. Now Myanmar is quite isolated from the outside world, especially by America. Art forms that survived through the colonial era such as wood carving, lacquerwork, goldwork, and silverwork are central to the culture. Fine arts schools in Yangon and Mandalay support the artistic lifestyle in the country. Challenges Facing the Region Myanmar and Bangladesh are both situated on the Indian Ocean, making them extremely prone to flooding during the summer monsoon season. Bangladesh is more prone to these floods as it also sits on the mouth of the Ganges River. The flood waters leave those living in poverty on flood-prone grounds in desperate situations. Water-born diseases run rampant. Myanmar and Bangladesh also have an ongoing dispute over maritime claims by their border. Political corruption runs rampant in both nations. Natural Beauty in the Region The constant changing from wet to dry seasons makes both Bangladesh and Myanmar beautiful countries. During the rainy seasons dark clouds hang low in the sky, casting a sort of calmness over the land. When the clouds part delicate dew is left clinging to the abundant plant life, and sunshine spills over the valleys. In Bangladesh the Ganges River is stunning. Low lying mountains surround Bangladesh as well, adding their own beauty. In Myanmar rich vegetation covers the countryside. Beaches in both countries look out over the Bay of Bengal. |
Works Cited
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“Bangladesh .” Bangladesh, The World Bank Group, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
“Bangladesh.” Commisceo Global, Commisceo Global Consultancy, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Harris, Micheal S. “Bangladesh.” Countries and Their Cultures, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Hays, Jeffrey. “PEOPLE, POPULATION, LANGUAGES OF MYANMAR.” Facts and Details, Jeffery Hays, 2014, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Razib. “Nature.” Natural Beauty of Bangladesh, 17 Feb. 2013, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Skelton, Ryan. “12 Images That Show the Grit and Beauty of Myanmar.” Matador Network, 20 Mar. 2015, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
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“The World Factbook: BANGLADESH.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 20 Dec. 2017, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Header image borrowed from "Daily Mail"
Bangladesh flag borrowed from "Wikipedia"
Myanmar flag borrowed from "The Skeptic Canary"
Aung, Maung Htin, and Michael Arthur Aung-Thwin. “Myanmar.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 16 Nov. 2017, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
“Bangladesh .” Bangladesh, The World Bank Group, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
“Bangladesh.” Commisceo Global, Commisceo Global Consultancy, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Harris, Micheal S. “Bangladesh.” Countries and Their Cultures, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Hays, Jeffrey. “PEOPLE, POPULATION, LANGUAGES OF MYANMAR.” Facts and Details, Jeffery Hays, 2014, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Razib. “Nature.” Natural Beauty of Bangladesh, 17 Feb. 2013, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Skelton, Ryan. “12 Images That Show the Grit and Beauty of Myanmar.” Matador Network, 20 Mar. 2015, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Stahl, A E. “Challenges Facing Bangladesh.” International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, 16 July 2007, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
“The World Factbook: BANGLADESH.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 20 Dec. 2017, Accessed 31 Dec. 2017.
Header image borrowed from "Daily Mail"
Bangladesh flag borrowed from "Wikipedia"
Myanmar flag borrowed from "The Skeptic Canary"