Facts about Sri Lanka, with a population of about 21 million, covers 65,610 square kilometers. It has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, produces world-renowned Ceylon tea, and boasts a literacy rate of over 90%.

Important Fact About Sri Lanka

Official name:

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka’s

Government type:

Republic

Location:

Latitude 5° 55. to 9° 50. north, longitude 79° 42. to 81° 52., 650km north of the equator’s

Dimensions:

430km north to south, 225km east to westbound

Coastline:

1,340km

Currency :

Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)

Independence:

4 February 1948

Administrative capital:

Sri Jayewardenepura

Commercial capital:

Colombo

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Central, North Central, North Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western, Eastern Province.

Climate:

Typically tropical, with a northeast monsoon (December to March) bringing unsettled weather to the north and east, and a southwest monsoon (June to October) bringing bad weather to the south and west

Terrain:

Mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior

Highest mountain:

Pidurutalagala, 2,524m

Highest waterfall:

Bambarakanda, 263m

National Flower:

The Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea stellata)

National parks and nature reserves area:

8,000sq.km

Population:

21,128,773

Population growth rate:

1.3%

Population Density:

309 people per sq Km

Life Expectancy at Birth:

74 Female, 64 Male

Literacy rate :

Female 87.9 Male 92.5

Ethnic groups:

Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, other 0.5%, unspecified 10%

Languages:

Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8% Note: English (a link language commonly) is used in government and spoken competently by about 10% of the populations

Religion:

Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, unspecified 10%

Time zone:

Sri Lanka Standard Time is five and a half hours ahead of GMT. (Allowance should be made for summer-time changes in Europe.)

International dialing:

+94 or 0094

Electricity:

230 . 240 volts, 50 cycles AC. If you travel with a laptop computer bring a stabilizers

Economy:

Sri Lanka’s most dynamic sectors are food processing, textiles and apparel, food and beverages, port construction, telecommunications, and insurance and banking. In 2006, plantation crops made up only 15% of exports (90% in 1970), while textiles and garments accounted for more than 60%. About 800,000 Sri Lankans work abroad, 90% of them in the Middle East. They send home more than US$1 billion a year.

100 Facts & Figures

Facts about Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, is known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and diverse wildlife. It has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, produces Ceylon tea, and celebrates vibrant cultural festivals.

Geography and Location

  1. Island Nation: Sri Lanka is an island country in the Indian Ocean, southeast of India.
  2. Capital Cities: Colombo is the commercial capital, while Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the administrative capital.
  3. Land Area: Covers approximately 65,610 square kilometers (25,332 square miles).
  4. Coastal Line: Boasts around 1,340 kilometers (833 miles) of coastline.
  5. Topography: Includes coastal plains, central highlands, and lush green forests.
  6. Highest Peak: Pidurutalagala, standing at 2,524 meters (8,281 feet) above sea level.
  7. Rivers: The Mahaweli River is the longest, stretching over 335 kilometers (208 miles).
  8. Natural Lakes: Significant lakes include Kandy Lake and Beira Lake.
  9. Climate: Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
  10. Monsoon Seasons: Southwest monsoon (May to September) and northeast monsoon (December to February).

History

  1. Ancient Civilization: Dates back over 2,500 years with Anuradhapura as an ancient capital.
  2. Colonial Rule: Colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British from the 16th to the 20th century.
  3. Independence: Gained independence from Britain on February 4, 1948.
  4. Kingdoms: Known for ancient kingdoms such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
  5. Colonial Heritage: Dutch Fort in Galle and British-built railway system.

Culture and Ethnic Diversity

  1. Ethnic Groups: Major groups include Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors, and Burghers.
  2. Religions: Predominantly Buddhism, followed by Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
  3. Languages: Sinhala and Tamil are official languages; English is widely spoken.
  4. Festivals: Celebrates Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak, and Diwali.
  5. Traditional Dance: Known for Kandyan dance, a classical dance form.

Economy

  1. Tea Industry: One of the largest tea producers and exporters globally.
  2. Agriculture: Major crops include tea, rubber, coconut, and spices.
  3. Tourism: A significant part of the economy, attracting millions of visitors annually.
  4. GDP: Approximately $84 billion as of recent estimates.
  5. Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

Natural Beauty

  1. Biodiversity: Home to numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.
  2. National Parks: Includes Yala, Wilpattu, and Udawalawe.
  3. Marine Life: Rich waters for whale watching, especially in Mirissa and Trincomalee.
  4. Coral Reefs: Coral reefs around Hikkaduwa and Pigeon Island.
  5. Botanical Gardens: Peradeniya and Hakgala are famous botanical gardens.

Education and Society

  1. Literacy Rate: High literacy rate of around 92%.
  2. Free Education: Free education from primary to tertiary levels.
  3. Universities: Notable universities include University of Colombo and University of Peradeniya.
  4. Healthcare: Free public healthcare services.
  5. Life Expectancy: Average life expectancy of about 77 years.

Cultural Heritage

  1. UNESCO Sites: Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Sigiriya and the Sacred City of Kandy.
  2. Ancient Cities: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla are historic cities.
  3. Temples: Famous temples like the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
  4. Fortresses: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Galle Fort are iconic landmarks.
  5. Stupas: Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya are significant stupas.

Cuisine

  1. Rice and Curry: Staple dish with various accompaniments.
  2. Hoppers: Popular breakfast dish made from fermented rice flour.
  3. Kottu Roti: A street food favorite made from chopped roti, vegetables, and meat.
  4. Seafood: Fresh seafood is abundant, particularly along the coast.
  5. Spices: Known for its use of spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Festivals and Celebrations

  1. Sinhala and Tamil New Year: Celebrated in April with traditional games and rituals.
  2. Vesak: Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.
  3. Poson Poya: Marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
  4. Esala Perahera: Grand procession in Kandy held in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
  5. Diwali: Celebrated by the Hindu community with lights and fireworks.

Tourist Attractions

  1. Sigiriya: Ancient rock fortress with frescoes and landscaped gardens.
  2. Ella: Known for its scenic beauty, tea plantations, and hikes.
  3. Nuwara Eliya: Referred to as “Little England” with its cool climate and colonial architecture.
  4. Yala National Park: Famous for its wildlife, including leopards and elephants.
  5. Galle Fort: Well-preserved Dutch colonial fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Adventure and Sports

  1. Surfing: Popular in Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, and Weligama.
  2. Kite Surfing: Kalpitiya is a top spot for kite surfing.
  3. Scuba Diving: Coral reefs and shipwrecks around Hikkaduwa and Trincomalee.
  4. Hiking: Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, and Horton Plains offer excellent hiking opportunities.
  5. Cricket: The most popular sport, with a strong national team.

Wildlife and Nature

  1. Leopards: Yala National Park is known for its leopard population.
  2. Elephants: Udawalawe and Minneriya National Parks are famous for elephants.
  3. Bird Watching: Bundala and Kumana National Parks are bird-watching havens.
  4. Whale Watching: Mirissa and Trincomalee are top whale-watching spots.
  5. Rainforests: Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Transportation

  1. Railways: Scenic train routes, especially from Kandy to Ella.
  2. Buses: Extensive bus network connecting major cities and towns.
  3. Three-Wheelers: Common mode of transport for short distances.
  4. Airports: Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
  5. Roads: Improved road infrastructure, including expressways.

Religion

  1. Buddhism: Predominant religion, with significant Buddhist temples and stupas.
  2. Hinduism: Prominent in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
  3. Islam: Practiced by the Moor and Malay communities.
  4. Christianity: Introduced by Portuguese and Dutch colonizers.
  5. Religious Harmony: Generally peaceful coexistence among different religious communities.

Art and Craft

  1. Traditional Crafts: Includes pottery, weaving, and wood carving.
  2. Batik: Popular art form used in clothing and decoration.
  3. Dance and Music: Traditional Kandyan dance and drumming.
  4. Architecture: Notable for its blend of ancient, colonial, and modern styles.
  5. Handicrafts: Jewelry, masks, and lacquer work.

Flora and Fauna

  1. Tea Plantations: Central highlands covered with tea plantations.
  2. Spice Gardens: Numerous spice gardens showcasing Sri Lanka’s spice heritage.
  3. National Parks: Numerous parks protecting diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
  4. Endemic Species: Several species of plants and animals found only in Sri Lanka.
  5. Botanical Gardens: Showcases of the country’s rich botanical heritage.

Economy

  1. Export Goods: Tea, textiles, garments, rubber, and spices are major exports.
  2. Tourism: Major contributor to the economy, attracting visitors worldwide.
  3. Agriculture: Plays a significant role, with rice being the staple crop.
  4. Fisheries: Vital for coastal communities and the national economy.
  5. Remittances: Significant income from Sri Lankans working abroad.

Modern Development

  1. Infrastructure: Rapid development in road, port, and airport infrastructure.
  2. Technology: Growing IT sector and tech industry.
  3. Urbanization: Increasing urbanization, particularly in Colombo and surrounding areas.
  4. Education: Emphasis on improving education standards and facilities.
  5. Healthcare: Continuous improvement in public health services and infrastructure.

Social Facts

  1. Population: Approximately 21 million people.
  2. Literacy: High literacy rate, one of the highest in South Asia.
  3. Cultural Festivals: Diverse cultural festivals celebrated throughout the year.
  4. Hospitality: Known for the warm hospitality of its people.
  5. Cuisine: Diverse culinary traditions with influences from India, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

Sri Lanka, with its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and hospitable people, offers a unique and captivating experience for both residents and visitors.