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Sylhet District facts for kids

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Sylhet

সিলেট
Location of Sylhet in Bangladesh
Location of Sylhet in Bangladesh
Country  Bangladesh
Division Sylhet Division
Established 1782
Area
 • Total 3,490.40 km2 (1,347.65 sq mi)
Population
 (2001)
 • Total 2,675,346
 • Density 766.4869/km2 (1,985.192/sq mi)
Literacy rate
 • Total 46%
Time zone UTC+6 (BST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+7 (BDST)
Postal code
3100
Website http://www.dcsylhet.gov.bd/

Sylhet District is an important area in Bangladesh. It is one of the four districts that make up the Sylhet Division. A district is like a large county, and a division is a bigger region, similar to a state or province. Sylhet is known for its beautiful green landscapes, especially its tea gardens.

Most people living in Sylhet District follow Islam as their religion. More than 80% of the people are Muslim. Hinduism is the second largest religion in this area. People of different faiths live together peacefully in Sylhet.

Geography and Nature

Sylhet District is located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. It shares borders with India on the north, east, and south. The district has many small hills and rivers. The land is very fertile, which means it's great for growing crops.

Rivers and Hills

The main river flowing through Sylhet is the Surma River. This river is very important for transportation and for the daily lives of the people. There are also many smaller rivers and canals. The district has some low hills, which are often covered with tea plantations. These hills make the scenery very beautiful.

Climate and Weather

Sylhet has a tropical monsoon climate. This means it has hot, humid summers and a lot of rain during the monsoon season, which is from June to September. Winters are mild and pleasant. The heavy rainfall helps the tea plants grow well.

History of Sylhet

Sylhet has a long and interesting history. It was established as a district in 1782, a long time ago when the British ruled the area. Before that, it was an important center for trade and religion.

Ancient Times

In ancient times, Sylhet was part of different kingdoms. It was known for its spiritual leaders and scholars. Many people came to Sylhet to learn and trade.

British Rule

When the British took control of India, Sylhet became an important administrative center. They developed the tea industry, which changed the economy of the region. Many people from Sylhet also started to travel to other countries for work.

After Independence

After Bangladesh became independent in 1971, Sylhet continued to grow. It became a major hub for education, healthcare, and business in the northeastern part of the country.

Economy and Industry

The economy of Sylhet District is mainly based on agriculture, especially tea production. However, other industries are also growing.

Tea Gardens

Sylhet is famous for its vast tea gardens. The tea grown here is exported all over the world. These gardens provide jobs for many people and are a major part of the district's identity.

Other Industries

Besides tea, Sylhet also has natural gas fields. This gas is used for energy in Bangladesh. There are also smaller industries like cement factories and handicrafts. Many people from Sylhet also work abroad and send money back home, which helps the local economy.

Culture and Lifestyle

The people of Sylhet have a rich culture. They speak a dialect of Bengali called Sylheti. Their lifestyle is influenced by their traditions, religion, and the natural environment.

Festivals and Celebrations

People in Sylhet celebrate many festivals throughout the year. Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated with great joy. Hindu festivals like Durga Puja are also important. These celebrations involve special foods, music, and gatherings with family and friends.

Food and Cuisine

Sylhet is known for its delicious food. Rice is the main food, often eaten with fish, meat, and vegetables. Some popular local dishes include shatkora (a special citrus fruit used in curries) and various types of pitha (rice cakes).

Education and Health

Sylhet has several educational institutions, including universities and colleges. There are also hospitals and clinics that provide healthcare services to the people.

Learning Opportunities

The district has many schools, from primary to higher education. This helps young people get a good education and prepare for their future.

Healthcare Services

Hospitals and health centers in Sylhet work to keep people healthy. They provide medical care and help prevent diseases.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Sylhet (zila) para niños

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