About 8 million people live in the capital city Dhaka, although most of them live below the absolute poverty line. Bangladesh gained independence after a war with Pakistan in 1971. The economy of Bangladesh mainly depends on primary activities. Major agriculture products are rice, jute, sugar cane, tobacco and tea. Agricultural productivity heavily depends on the monsoon climate.
Major industries are jute, textile, cement, ceramic and garments manufacturing.
Presently garment industries are the major source of foreign currency earning and has created huge opportunities for the employment of women. Bangladesh has huge reserves of natural gases and some coal, mud stone and petroleum. Gases are mainly used for generating electricity, producing fertilisers, industrial use and household purposes. In spite of low socio-economic development, Bangladesh has shown signs of development in some areas. Health and Family Planning sectors also show significant progress.