Contrary to the Muslim practice of not allowing women to work in public, the Assamese women usually do the field work. In spite of the rich soil and abundant vegetation of Bangladesh, a very low standard of living plagues the people who live there. This small nation is one of the most densely populated countries of the world. Half of the population is under the age of 15, and much of their diet is below nutritional standards. Bangladesh is one of the least urbanized countries of the world because of its economic dependence on agriculture.
Assamese villages are similar to other villages throughout Bangladesh.
They are located in jungles or forests, and are surrounded by groves of bamboo, mango, and coconut trees. For this reason, houses are built on higher ground. They are usually made of thatched bamboo, like the huts of the Assamese living in India. Animals as well as humans are believed to have souls. Cows are sacred, but animals such as snakes and monkeys are also revered.