Fact File
Background
The earliest Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the sixth century B.C., most certainly from northern India. Buddhism was introduced in the mid-third century B.C., and the towns of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa evolved into formidable empires (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil state in northern Sri Lanka. In the 16th century, the Portuguese governed the island’s coastal areas, followed by the Dutch in the 17th century. The island was taken over by the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British administration by 1815. It obtained independence as Ceylon in 1948, but its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972.
Climate
Temperatures in the Central Highlands are colder due to their higher altitude, with monthly averages ranging from 44 °F (7 °C) to 71 °F (21.6 °C).
Fun Facts
- It is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the Teardrop of India
- It’s jam-packed with a wide range of animals
- In Sri Lanka, tea is a big industry
- It is the birthplace of cinnamon
- In Nuwara Eliya, you’ll be reminded of England
- Adam’s Peak is the country’s most holy peak
- The English language received the term “serendipity” from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka’s national flag is one of the oldest in the world
- One of Buddha’s teeth is kept at a temple in Kandy
- It is the world’s first country to have a female prime minister
- It boasts South Asia’s highest literacy rate
- It is a location where folks shake their heads in agreement
- Not every hotel is for an overnight stay
- Sri Lanka’s national sport is volleyball, while cricket is the most well-known
- It is home to the world’s oldest tree that was planted by human
Other Facts
-
Location
Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India. 7 00 N, 81 00 E
-
Official Name
Ilangai Jananayaka Socialisa Kudiarasu
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Prajatantrika Samajavadi Janarajaya -
Head Of State And Government
President: Ranil Wickremesinghe, assisted by Prime Minister: Dinesh Gunawardena
-
Population
21.2 million
-
Largest City
Colombo
-
Total Area
65,610 sq km (25,332 sq miles)
-
Languages
Sinhala, Tamil, English
-
Exchange Rate
1 USD equals 362.709 Sri Lankan rupee
-
Urban-Rural Population
Urban: (2018) 18.5% ; Rural: (2018) 81.5%
-
Literacy: Percentage Of Population Age 15 And Over Literate
Male: (2017) 93% ; Female: (2017) 91%
-
Gni (U.S.D)
(2020) $81.48 Billion
-
GSM network
900/1800 MHz, 4G LTE 18000/23000 MHz
-
Religions
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
-
Typical Cuisiine
Rice is the most common dish in local cuisine. Curries are used to prepare a wide range of foods, including meat, seafood, vegetables, and even fruit. Coconut milk is a typical element in rice and other curries.
-
Capitals
Colombo (executive and judicial); Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (Colombo suburb; legislative)
-
Life Expectency
72 years (men), 78 years (women) (UN)
-
Gni Per Capita (U.S.$)
(2020) $3,720
-
Internet domain:
.lk
-
International dialing code
+94
-
Form of Government
Unitary Multiparty republic with one legislative house (Parliament [225])
-
Monetary Unit
Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
-
Population Rank
(2021) 59
-
Density: Persons Per Sq Miles
(2022) 874.5
-
Density: Persons Per Sq Kilometers
(2022) 337.6
-
Location
Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India. 7 00 N, 81 00 E
-
Official Name
Ilangai Jananayaka Socialisa Kudiarasu
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Prajatantrika Samajavadi Janarajaya -
Head Of State And Government
President: Ranil Wickremesinghe, assisted by Prime Minister: Dinesh Gunawardena
-
Population
21.2 million
-
Largest City
Colombo
-
Total Area
65,610 sq km (25,332 sq miles)
-
Languages
Sinhala, Tamil, English
-
Exchange Rate
1 USD equals 362.709 Sri Lankan rupee
-
Urban-Rural Population
Urban: (2018) 18.5% ; Rural: (2018) 81.5%
-
Literacy: Percentage Of Population Age 15 And Over Literate
Male: (2017) 93% ; Female: (2017) 91%
-
Gni (U.S.D)
(2020) $81.48 Billion
-
GSM network
900/1800 MHz, 4G LTE 18000/23000 MHz
-
Religions
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
-
Typical Cuisiine
Rice is the most common dish in local cuisine. Curries are used to prepare a wide range of foods, including meat, seafood, vegetables, and even fruit. Coconut milk is a typical element in rice and other curries.
-
Capitals
Colombo (executive and judicial); Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (Colombo suburb; legislative)
-
Life Expectency
72 years (men), 78 years (women) (UN)
-
Gni Per Capita (U.S.$)
(2020) $3,720
-
Internet domain:
.lk
-
International dialing code
+94
-
Form of Government
Unitary Multiparty republic with one legislative house (Parliament [225])
-
Monetary Unit
Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
-
Population Rank
(2021) 59
-
Density: Persons Per Sq Miles
(2022) 874.5
-
Density: Persons Per Sq Kilometers
(2022) 337.6
-
Voltage
230/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Round 3-pin plugs are usual with bayonet lamp fittings.
-
Sri Lanka’s highest mountains
Pidurutalagala at 8,281 feet
Kirigalpotta at 7,858 feet
Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) at 7,559 feet