Bangladesh is a densely populated country and has one of the lowest land-person ratios in the world. In Bangladesh, a large portion of land is covered with rivers and lakes resulting in a much higher population density of 1,198 Persons/Sq. KM; and a high population growth rate in urban areas (4.5 percent), the standard of shelter is correspondingly low. Approximately 77 percent of urban dwellings and over 98 percent of rural dwellings are not permanent. Overcrowding and minimal or no infrastructure support services are further problems.