============================== BANGLADESH ============================== Bangladesh is bounded almost entirely by India and to the south by the Bay of Bengal. The country is extremely flat and is virtually a huge delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. The country is subject to devastating floods and cyclones. Most villages are built on mud platforms to keep them above water. The climate is tropical monsoon with heat, extreme humidity and heavy rainfall. The combination of rainfall, sun and silt from the rivers makes the land productive, and it is often possible to grow three crops a year. Area (Sq. Km.): 143,998 Population: 116,000,000 Capital: Dhaka Language: Bengali Religion: Moslem 85% Hindi 14% Government Type: Parliamentary Currency: Taka Embassy: 28 Queen's Gate London SW7 5JA 0171-584-0081 «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: Political tension is rising. There is an increased likelihood of rallies, demonstrations and political violence in major cities and also elsewhere, and it could be directed in part against Westerners. Visitors should avoid areas where demonstrations are being held and other crowded places. Opposition parties may call strikes at short notice. These suspend normal business, sometimes throughout the country and make travel hazardous. People ignoring strikes can become targets for violence, and their vehicles may be damaged or destroyed. There has been a marked increase in armed banditry on major roads between towns. Travel on these roads after dark is inadvisable. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129