In the northeast and east of the country the landscape rises to form forested hills. To the southeast, along the Burmese and Indian borders, the land is hilly and wooded. About one-seventh of the country's area is under water and flooding occurs regularly. Gained independence from Pakistan in 1971. English is widely spoken especially in government and commercial circles.
Religion is the main influence on attitudes and behaviour.
Since 1988 Islam has been the official state religion. Public telephone booths are located at the principal marketplaces and in post offices in the main towns. Roaming agreements exist. Telegrams may be sent from main post offices and there are three charge rates. Post boxes are blue for airmail and red for surface mail.