Countries that Starts with Letter B
List of Countries Starting with the Letter “B”
The countries that start with the letter “B” are:
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
Each of these countries will be explored in detail in the following sections.
Bahamas
Geographical Features
The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of approximately 700 islands and cays located in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, USA, and northeast of Cuba. It is known for its clear blue waters, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches.
Historical Background
The Bahamas has a rich history dating back to the indigenous Lucayan people. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and later became a British colony. The country gained independence in 1973.
Cultural Diversity
The Bahamas has a vibrant culture influenced by African, British, and indigenous traditions. The country is known for its music, particularly Junkanoo, as well as its festivals and cuisine.
Political Landscape
The Bahamas is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth. The political system is stable, with tourism and finance being the main economic sectors.
Bahrain
Geographical Features
Bahrain is a small island country located in the Persian Gulf, consisting of 33 natural islands and an additional 51 artificial islands. It is known for its desert terrain and rich marine environment.
Historical Background
Bahrain has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations, including the Dilmun civilization. It became a British protectorate in the 19th century and gained independence in 1971.
Cultural Diversity
Bahrain’s culture is a blend of Arab, Persian, and Western influences. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion. The country is known for its traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Political Landscape
Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The country has a significant financial sector and is a regional hub for banking and tourism.
Bangladesh
Geographical Features
Bangladesh is located in South Asia, bordered by India, Myanmar, and the Bay of Bengal. It is characterized by its fertile plains, river systems, and delta regions.
Historical Background
Bangladesh has a rich history influenced by various empires, including the Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal Empires. It was part of British India and later became East Pakistan before gaining independence in 1971.
Cultural Diversity
Bangladesh is known for its rich cultural heritage, including literature, music, and art. Bengali is the official language, and the population is predominantly Muslim.
Political Landscape
Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy. The country faces challenges related to population density, natural disasters, and economic development but has shown significant progress in recent years.
Barbados
Geographical Features
Barbados is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its tropical climate, white sandy beaches, and coral reefs.
Historical Background
Barbados was inhabited by indigenous peoples before being colonized by the British in the 17th century. It gained independence in 1966.
Cultural Diversity
Barbados has a vibrant culture influenced by African, British, and Caribbean traditions. The country is known for its music, particularly calypso and reggae, as well as its festivals and cuisine.
Political Landscape
Barbados is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth. The economy is primarily based on tourism, manufacturing, and offshore finance.
Belarus
Geographical Features
Belarus is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. It features flat terrain, forests, and numerous rivers and lakes.
Historical Background
Belarus has a history influenced by various empires, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Russian Empire. It became part of the Soviet Union and gained independence in 1991.
Cultural Diversity
Belarus has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Slavic, Polish, and Russian traditions. The official languages are Belarusian and Russian, and the country is known for its literature, music, and dance.
Political Landscape
Belarus is a presidential republic. The country has faced political challenges related to governance and human rights, with ongoing efforts toward economic reform and development.
Belgium
Geographical Features
Belgium is located in Western Europe, bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It features a varied landscape of coastal plains, rolling hills, and the Ardennes forest.
Historical Background
Belgium has a rich history influenced by various European powers, including the Romans, Franks, and Burgundians. It became an independent kingdom in 1830.
Cultural Diversity
Belgium is known for its cultural diversity, with distinct Flemish, Walloon, and German-speaking communities. The country is famous for its art, music, cuisine, and festivals.
Political Landscape
Belgium is a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts several international institutions.
Belize
Geographical Features
Belize is located in Central America, bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. It features a diverse landscape of rainforests, mountains, and coral reefs.
Historical Background
Belize has a history influenced by the ancient Maya civilization, Spanish explorers, and British colonization. It gained independence in 1981.
Cultural Diversity
Belize has a multicultural society with influences from Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, and Mennonite communities. The official language is English, and the country is known for its music, dance, and festivals.
Political Landscape
Belize is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth. The economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and offshore finance.
Benin
Geographical Features
Benin is located in West Africa, bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Atlantic Ocean. It features a diverse landscape of coastal plains, plateaus, and savannas.
Historical Background
Benin has a rich history influenced by the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey, French colonization, and independence in 1960.
Cultural Diversity
Benin is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art. The population is ethnically diverse, with the Fon, Adja, and Yoruba being the largest groups.
Political Landscape
Benin is a presidential republic. The country has made significant progress in democratic governance and economic development, with a focus on agriculture and trade.
Bhutan
Geographical Features
Bhutan is a landlocked country located in the Eastern Himalayas, bordered by China and India. It features rugged mountainous terrain and dense forests.
Historical Background
Bhutan has a unique history as an independent kingdom with a strong cultural identity. It has maintained its sovereignty and traditional way of life despite external influences.
Cultural Diversity
Bhutan is known for its rich cultural heritage, including Buddhist traditions, festivals, and arts. The official language is Dzongkha, and the population is predominantly Buddhist.
Political Landscape
Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The country emphasizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a measure of development, focusing on cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
Bolivia
Geographical Features
Bolivia is located in South America, bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. It features diverse landscapes, including the Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, and highland plateaus.
Historical Background
Bolivia has a rich history influenced by ancient civilizations, including the Tiwanaku and Inca empires, Spanish colonization, and independence in 1825.
Cultural Diversity
Bolivia is known for its diverse cultural heritage, including indigenous traditions, Spanish influences, and vibrant festivals. The official languages are Spanish and several indigenous languages.
Political Landscape
Bolivia is a unitary presidential republic. The country faces challenges related to economic development, social inequality, and environmental conservation, but it has made strides in political and social reforms.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Geographical Features
Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. It features a varied landscape of mountains, rivers, and forests.
Historical Background
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a complex history influenced by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Austro-Hungarian rule, and the Yugoslav wars. It gained independence in 1992.
Cultural Diversity
Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its cultural diversity, with a mix of Bosniak, Croat, and Serb communities. The country has a rich cultural heritage in music, literature, and art.
Political Landscape
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a federal parliamentary republic with a complex political structure. The country has faced challenges related to post-war reconstruction and ethnic reconciliation.
Botswana
Geographical Features
Botswana is located in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa. It features a diverse landscape of deserts, savannas, and wetlands.
Historical Background
Botswana has a history influenced by indigenous Tswana kingdoms, British colonization, and independence in 1966.
Cultural Diversity
Botswana is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art. The population is predominantly Tswana, with several other ethnic groups.
Political Landscape
Botswana is a stable parliamentary republic. The country has made significant progress in economic development and governance, with a focus on mining, agriculture, and tourism.
Brazil
Geographical Features
Brazil is located in South America, bordered by Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It features diverse landscapes, including the Amazon rainforest, Pantanal wetlands, and Atlantic coastline.
Historical Background
Brazil has a rich history influenced by indigenous peoples, Portuguese colonization, and independence in 1822. The country has experienced periods of monarchy, dictatorship, and democracy.
Cultural Diversity
Brazil is known for its cultural diversity, including indigenous traditions, African influences, and Portuguese heritage. The country is famous for its music, dance, festivals, and cuisine.
Political Landscape
Brazil is a federal presidential republic. The country faces challenges related to economic development, social inequality, and environmental conservation, but it has made strides in political and social reforms.
Brunei
Geographical Features
Brunei is a small country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, bordered by Malaysia and the South China Sea. It features a tropical rainforest climate and diverse ecosystems.
Historical Background
Brunei has a history influenced by the ancient Srivijaya and Majapahit empires, Islamic conversion, and British protectorate status. It gained full independence in 1984.
Cultural Diversity
Brunei is known for its rich cultural heritage, including Malay traditions, Islamic customs, and influences from Chinese and indigenous cultures. The official language is Malay, and Islam is the predominant religion.
Political Landscape
Brunei is an absolute monarchy with a sultan as the head of state. The country has a stable political system and a strong economy based on oil and gas exports.
Bulgaria
Geographical Features
Bulgaria is located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, and the Black Sea. It features a varied landscape of mountains, plains, and coastline.
Historical Background
Bulgaria has a rich history influenced by the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottoman Empire. It became an independent kingdom in 1908 and a republic after World War II.
Cultural Diversity
Bulgaria is known for its cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art. The population is predominantly Bulgarian, with several ethnic minorities. The official language is Bulgarian.
Political Landscape
Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic. The country is a member of the European Union and NATO, and it has made significant progress in political and economic reforms.
Burkina Faso
Geographical Features
Burkina Faso is located in West Africa, bordered by Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. It features a diverse landscape of savannas, plains, and semi-arid regions.
Historical Background
Burkina Faso has a history influenced by the ancient Mossi kingdoms, French colonization, and independence in 1960. The country was formerly known as Upper Volta.
Cultural Diversity
Burkina Faso is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art. The population is ethnically diverse, with Mossi being the largest group. The official language is French.
Political Landscape
Burkina Faso is a semi-presidential republic. The country faces challenges related to political stability, economic development, and security, but it has made strides in democratic governance.
Burundi
Geographical Features
Burundi is located in East Africa, bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It features a diverse landscape of mountains, plateaus, and lakes.
Historical Background
Burundi has a history influenced by the ancient Tutsi and Hutu kingdoms, German and Belgian colonization, and independence in 1962. The country has experienced periods of ethnic conflict and civil war.
Cultural Diversity
Burundi is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art. The population is predominantly Hutu, with Tutsi and Twa minorities. The official languages are Kirundi, French, and English.
Political Landscape
Burundi is a presidential republic. The country faces challenges related to political stability, economic development, and social reconciliation, but it has made efforts toward peace and progress.
