Sri Lanka

South Asia

Sri Lanka is a country in South Asia, home to 23.1 million people, with an area of 65,610 km². Its capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Population: 23.1 million
Area: 65,610 km²
Region: South Asia
Density: 352 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Sri Lanka · South Asia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Sri Lanka is known for

Sri Lanka is best known for Sigiriya, Kandy and Yala National Park.

Sri Lanka, officially known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is a island country located in South Asia. It is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient Buddhist temples, and diverse wildlife.

Sri Lanka at a glance

Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages, with English widely spoken
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
Religion: Buddhism is the predominant religion in Sri Lanka, with significant minorities of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians
National dish: Rice and curry, a dish made with rice and a variety of curries and side dishes, is considered the national dish of Sri Lanka
Climate: Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons
Main industries: Tea, textiles and apparel, food processing, telecommunications, and tourism
GDP: $84.4 billion (nominal, 2020 estimate)
Development: Sri Lanka is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 72 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Sri Lanka

Some of the main tourist attractions in Sri Lanka include:

Sigiriya an ancient rock fortress located in the central Matale District, with breathtaking views and unique frescoes.
Kandy a scenic city located in the central highlands, known for its beautiful lake, ancient temples, and cultural festivals.
Yala National Park a wildlife sanctuary located in the southeastern part of the country, known for its diverse wildlife including elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.
Galle a historic coastal city known for its colonial architecture and beautiful beaches.
Anuradhapura an ancient city located in the North Central Province, with well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization.
Nuwara Eliya a scenic town located in the central highlands, known for its tea plantations and cool climate.
Mirissa a picturesque fishing village known for its beautiful beaches and whale watching opportunities.
Adam's Peak a mountain located in the southwestern part of the country, with a sacred footprint at the summit revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims.
Polonnaruwa an ancient city located in the North Central Province, with well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization.
Ella a scenic town located in the central highlands, known for its beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer. The country is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

Sri Lanka in pictures

Sri Lanka on video

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Sri Lanka compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of South Asia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Afghanistan	42.6 million	652,230 km²	Kabul
Nepal	29.7 million	147,181 km²	Kathmandu
Sri Lanka	23.1 million	65,610 km²	Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Bhutan	790,000	38,394 km²	Thimphu