Sri Lanka, known as the pearl of the Indian ocean lies close to the equator, off the southern coast of India.
Enriched with a proud heritage and rich culture, this country is a gift of nature with its tropical climate and natural beauty.

STATISTICS

Name : Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Area : 65,610 square kilometers

Capital : Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte

Commercial Capital : Colombo

Population : 19.6 million

Density : 298 persons per square kilometer

Population growth rate : 1.3%

Life expectancy : Total 72, male 70, female 75 (years)

Languages : Sinhala, Tamil, English

Literacy rate : Total 90%, male 93%, female 87%

Ethnic groups : Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Muslims 7%, Burghers, Malay & others 1%

Religions : Buddhism 70%, Hinduism 15%, Christianity 8%, Islam 7%

Currency : Sri Lanka rupee

Annual per capita income : US$ 840

Major exports : Tea, rubber, coconut, garments, gemstones

Climate : Generally hot and humid in lowlands with an average temperature of 27°C, while it is cooler in the central hills having a temperature of 20°C average. The southwest monsoon from May to November brings heavy rain to the western, southern and central regions, while the northeastern monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. The southwestern wet zone has some rainfall throughout the year, which peaks in May and June as well as in October and November.