Overview of Sri Lanka

Profile

Located in the southeast of the Indian subcontinent, it has prospered since ancient times as a crossroads of trade and culture. With diverse landscapes ranging from central highlands at 2,500m elevation to tropical coastal plains, it boasts abundant tourism resources including UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist sites, colonial architecture, and wildlife sanctuaries. Major industries include agriculture (tea, rubber, coconut), textiles, IT services, and tourism. While civil war ended in 2009 and reconstruction and infrastructure development have progressed, recent debt issues and foreign exchange shortages remain challenges.

Official name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Common name: Sri Lanka
Numeric code: 144
Alpha-3 code: LKA
Alpha-2 code: LK
Population: 22 million (2023)
Population density: 336
Primary languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English
Major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
National anthem: Sri Lanka Matha
Calling code: +94
Internet TLD: .lk

History

After ancient kingdoms represented by Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and European colonial rule from the 16th century, gained independence in 1948. Transitioned to republic in 1972, experienced civil war with Tamil separatists until 2009.

Sinhalese dynasty established in 5th century BC, Buddhism introduced in 3rd century BC forming the island's cultural foundation. Portuguese arrived in 16th century, followed by Dutch in 17th century and British in late 18th century, introducing plantation economy. Became independent as Ceylon, a Commonwealth realm, on February 4, 1948; renamed Sri Lanka Republic in 1972 establishing full sovereignty. Majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil conflict intensified into 26-year civil war from 1983, ending with government military victory in 2009. Since then, tourism and investment surged rapidly, but pandemic and debt excess led to the country's greatest economic crisis in 2022.

Geography & climate

Rivers radiate from central highlands; southwest has tropical rainforest, north has dry savanna in diverse terrain.

Tropical monsoon climate

Area: Asia / 65610 km²
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Largest city: Colombo
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Parakrama Samudra, Kantale Reservoir, Bolgoda Lake

Natural resources

Graphite, Gemstones, Limestone, Titanium sand, Phosphates, Hydropower, Abundant groundwater, Coconut, Tropical timber, Fishery resources

Politics

Government: Republic combining semi-presidential and parliamentary systems

Economy

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

GDP (nominal): 89 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 309 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English

Time zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils, Sri Lankan Moors, Burghers, Malays, Vedda

Life expectancy

77.9 years

Literacy rate

92.5%

National sports

Cricket, Volleyball, Football, Rugby, Athletics, Badminton