Bangladesh fact sheet
An overview of Bangladesh's development context shaping SNV and partners’ collaboration with national and local governments toward fostering inclusive, climate-resilient, and well-governed systems.
Abstract
Bangladesh has made significant economic progress over the past two decades, with an average GDP growth rate of 6.4% between 2010 and 2023. The country has also made notable strides in reducing poverty and improving health and education outcomes.
However, the benefits of this growth have not been shared equally. As the world’s eighth most populated country, Bangladesh faces mounting pressure. Rapid urbanisation, currently at 40% and projected to reach 56% by 2050, is straining infrastructure and driving informal settlements. Climate risks are intensifying, with floods affecting 18.4 million people in 2024. In 2022, nearly a quarter of the population lived in poverty.
SNV has been working in Bangladesh since 2006, partnering with local and national actors to design scalable, impact-driven approaches that help people access the capabilities, services, and opportunities they need to thrive while protecting the natural resources on which they depend. Partners include 14 city governments (Paurashavas), private sector companies, 119 micro and small enterprises, approximately 50 local civil society organisations, and other grassroots organisations.
Applying a systems change approach, SNV focuses on three areas: developing climate-smart, inclusive markets; strengthening investment readiness and business capacity; and leveraging private investment for development. Between 2014 and 2024, SNV positively impacted 1.7 million people.
For more information
Visit the Bangladesh country page