It is estimated that about 50 percent or more of the land surface of Bangladesh is wetland, consisting of about 700 rivers, creeks, streams, and other water bodies known locally as Haor, baor, heel and khal. There are also the vast estuarine systems and mangrove swamps of the south and southeast regions, as well as innumerable man-made water bodies of various size.
The northeast region of Bangladesh, comprising the flood plains of the Meghna tributaries, has a distinct type of wetland that is known as the Haor Basin.