Sri Lanka
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 21
Currency
💱 Sri Lankan rupee
Languages
🗣️ Sinhala, Tamil
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Discover the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean,' Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise brimming with ancient wonders, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. Explore mist-shrouded tea plantations, pristine beaches, ancient Buddhist temples, and encounter incredible wildlife in its national parks. From the bustling markets of Colombo to the serene highlands and sun-kissed coastlines, Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Sri Lankan
Independence
February 4, 1948 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.lk
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+94
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+05:30
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
ISO Alpha-2
LK
ISO Alpha-3
LKA
UN Code
144
Geographic Coordinates
7,81
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
65,610#123 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
21,756,000#62 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
356.24
Highest Point (m)
2,524 meters (Pidurutalagala)
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level (Indian Ocean)
Land Use
Agricultural land: 43.8%; forest: 43.1%; other: 13.1% (2018 est.)
Irrigated Land
4,100 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
1,340 km
Climate
Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)
Natural Resources
Limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, hydropower
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
Mahaweli River, Kelani River, Kala Oya
Major Lakes
None readily available. Numerous reservoirs exist.
Government Type
Semi-presidential republic
Administrative Divisions
9 provinces, 25 districts
Legal System
Mixed legal system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and customary law
Chief of State
President Ranil Wickremesinghe
Head of Government
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena
Cabinet
Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the President
Elections
President elected by popular vote for a 5-year term; parliamentary elections every 5 years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; High Courts; District Courts; Magistrate Courts
Legislative Branch
Parliament (unicameral)
Major Political Parties
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), United National Party (UNP), Tamil National Alliance (TNA)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Sri Lankan rupee
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
108.83#72 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
371.27#63 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
5,002.08#139 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8.36
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
25.44
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
54.63
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
-4.76#190 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8,264,760
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.01#118 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
73.51
Budget
Significant budget deficits in recent years.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
20.64#90 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
24.86#88 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Significant fluctuations in recent years.
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates can be found at major banks and online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Services, industry, and agriculture.
Major Industries
Tourism, tea, textiles, rubber, and coconut.
Major Export Partners
United States, United Kingdom, and India.
Major Import Partners
India, China, and Singapore.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
92.74#93 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.1
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.8
Net Migration Rate
Slightly negative migration rate.
Median Age
Approximately 35 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
20.45#209 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 0.5% annual rate of change.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
77.7#76 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Low prevalence.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
3.68
Ethnic Groups
Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims.
Religions
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Sinhala, Tamil
Education
Education System
Free education from primary to tertiary levels. Includes government and private schools, with a focus on literacy and numeracy.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
14.1
Government Education Spending
Generally spends a significant portion of its budget on education.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Colombo, University of Peradeniya, University of Moratuwa.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Rich cultural heritage influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Strong emphasis on family and community.
National Holidays
Independence Day, Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak Poya Day.
Popular Music
Sinhala and Tamil pop music, baila music.
Traditional Food
Rice and curry, hoppers, string hoppers, kottu roti.
Sports
Cricket, volleyball, rugby, athletics.
Major Festivals
Kandy Esala Perahera, Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Deepavali.
Famous People
Kumar Sangakkara (cricketer), Mahela Jayawardene (cricketer), Anoma Fonseka (politician).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Sigiriya, Temple of the Tooth, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Galle Fort.
UNESCO Sites
Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy), Galle Fort, Sigiriya.
Annual Tourist Visits
Pre-pandemic: around 2 million annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a significant industry, with a focus on cultural heritage, beaches, and natural beauty.
Top Tourist Attractions
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of the Tooth, Yala National Park, beaches of Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna.
Famous Cities
Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna.
National Parks
Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Horton Plains National Park.
Protected Areas
Numerous protected areas covering a significant portion of the island.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sri Lanka generally falls between December and March for the southwest coast, including popular destinations like Colombo, Galle, and the southern beaches. This period offers dry weather perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring ancient cities. For the east coast, including Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, the optimal months are from May to September when the seas are calmer and the weather is drier, ideal for surfing and diving. Cultural triangle exploration, encompassing Sigiriya and Dambulla, is pleasant year-round, though the shoulder seasons of April and October can offer slightly fewer crowds. Hikers heading to the central highlands, such as Ella and Nuwara Eliya, will find the weather most agreeable from January to March, with less rainfall and clearer views. Festival enthusiasts should check the lunar calendar as major Buddhist and Hindu festivals occur throughout the year, offering unique cultural experiences.
Tourist Visa Info
Visas are generally required for tourists; e-visa options are available.
Visa Requirements Overview
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Sri Lanka for tourism, which is typically obtained in advance online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The ETA allows for short tourist stays and is generally processed quickly, though it's best to apply a few weeks before your travel date. Citizens of certain countries may have different visa requirements or visa-on-arrival options, so it's crucial to verify the specific regulations applicable to your nationality. Tourists are usually granted stays of up to 30 days with the possibility of an extension. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and has sufficient blank pages. Always check the official Sri Lankan immigration website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa policies before your trip.
Travel Advisory
Exercise a high degree of caution due to potential security risks and political instability.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Moderate healthcare quality.
Medical Cost
Generally affordable medical costs compared to Western countries.
Number of Hospitals
Numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities are available across the country.
Universal Healthcare
Provides free healthcare to citizens through a public system, but faces challenges in resource allocation and quality.
Medical Services Overview
Public and private healthcare systems are available.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency services are available, but response times may vary.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
119
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
110
Emergency Number (Fire)
110
Crime Rate
Moderate crime rate. Petty theft and scams can occur.
Safety Index
Relatively safe overall, but exercise caution, especially in crowded areas.
Military Expenditure
Moderate military expenditure as a percentage of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services include police, ambulance, and fire departments, accessible through dedicated numbers.
Safety Overview
Sri Lanka is generally a safe country for tourists, but like any destination, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Common scams to watch out for include inflated prices for tuk-tuks or souvenirs, so agree on fares beforehand and be wary of overly persistent touts. Some areas, particularly around crowded bus stations or markets, may experience petty theft, so keep your valuables secure. It's advisable to exercise caution when walking alone at night in less populated areas. While the country has experienced periods of unrest in the past, these are rare and usually don't affect tourist areas. Be aware of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Drinking tap water is not recommended; bottled water is readily available. Staying informed about local news and advisement is always a good practice.
Military Branches
Army, Navy, Air Force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
High electricity access rate in urban areas, with increasing access in rural areas.
Water Access
Relatively good access to improved water sources, both in urban and rural areas.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is improving, but challenges remain in rural areas.
Railways
Operated by Sri Lanka Railways, connecting major cities.
Roadways
Road network includes paved and unpaved roads. Major roads connect cities and towns.
Transportation System
Roads, railways, and public transport are available.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB), Colombo Ratmalana International Airport (RML), Jaffna International Airport (JAF), Ampara Airport (ADP), Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ), Batticaloa International Airport (BTC)
Ports
Major ports include Colombo, Hambantota, and Trincomalee, handling international trade.
Public Transit
Bus services are the primary mode of public transport. Rail services are available, primarily serving the Colombo area.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
54.59#156 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup ecosystem, particularly in Colombo.
Innovation Index
Moderate innovation index ranking.
ICT Development Index
Moderate ICT Development Index ranking.
TV Broadcast Stations
Multiple TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type D, Type G, and Type M outlets are used; 230V, 50Hz.
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.06#139 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality varies, often poor in urban areas, especially Colombo. PM2.5 levels exceed WHO guidelines.
Water Pollution Level
Significant water pollution from industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff, impacting rivers and coastal areas.
Renewable Energy Usage
Increasing use of renewable energy, particularly hydropower. Solar and wind power are growing.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, air pollution in urban areas, and impacts from climate change, including rising sea levels.
Natural Hazards
Cyclones, floods, droughts, and landslides are common natural hazards.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management; landfills are overflowing, and recycling infrastructure is limited. Open dumping is common.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major international environmental agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions in numerous countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth
Major Treaties
Signed and ratified various treaties related to trade, human rights, and environment.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens can travel visa-free or with visas on arrival to a considerable number of countries.