The population was estimated at 162,221,000 people in 2009. The population growth rate is around 2.2% per year, and 80% of the population lives in rural areas.

People are employed in the following sectors:

			Agriculture - 63%
			Industry - 10%
			Service - 27%
			2.5% of the workforce is unemployed.

GDP per capita is US$ 554.

The official language is Bangla, sometimes called Bengali. English is widely understood and spoken in Dhaka and large towns.

Education

The adult literacy rate in the population over 15 years of age has shown a gradual increase from 1981 (males 39.7% and females 18%) to 2002 (males 55.5% and females 43.4%) (source: BBS, SVRS 2002).

In 2002-03, 94% of males and 98% of females were enrolled in primary education.

Overall enrolment in secondary education has increased from 42% in 1998 to 47% in 2002-03. For females, the figure has increased from 41% in 1998 to 50% in 2002-03. For males, the figure rose from 43% in 1998 to 45% in 2002-03 (source: UNESCO).

Bangladesh’s commitment to education has been clearly stated in its constitution and development plans, with education being given the highest priority in public sector investments. Education sector allocations are currently about 2.3% of GDP and 14% of total government expenditure.

The government is strongly committed to alleviating the existing problems in management and quality through reforms across the education system.