Bangladesh is a densely populated country that is much smaller in area than France but has a larger population. Dhaka is the 9th largest city in the world with over 15 million residents. Bangladesh has a long history and was formed in 1971 after gaining independence from Pakistan. The Bengali language is spoken by around 300 million people and was a key part of the cultural identity movement in Bangladesh. The country faces natural disasters like cyclones and floods annually but also has a rich cultural heritage exemplified through traditions, cuisine, and destinations like Cox's Bazar beach.