Overview of Sri Lanka

Quick Overview

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: southeast of the tip of India in the Indian Ocean.

• Latitude/longitude: 6°54' N, 79°54' E.

• Local time: Heure : 12820

• Capital: Sri Jayawardenapura (though most activity takes place in Colombo).

• Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.

• Official languages: Sinhala and Tamil (plus English as a "link" language).

• Currency: Sri Lankan rupee.

• Population: 22,576,592 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 65,610 km².

• Density: 344 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mount Pidurutalagala (2,524 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline:

• Driving: on the left.

Tourism

"India, but quieter"—that’s how the country is sometimes described. Like its larger neighbor, Sri Lanka offers a compelling mix of nature, culture, and relaxation, attracting more and more visitors, including families. In fact, if there’s one destination that has seen its tourism numbers skyrocket in recent years, it’s Sri Lanka! That said, as with many places, political instability can affect visitor numbers—such as the April 2019 attacks and their impact on tourism.

In less than a decade, annual visitors have jumped from around 500,000 to over 2 million (2.334 million in 2018), with India, China, the UK, Germany, France (nearly 100,000 arrivals), the Maldives, and Australia as the top source countries.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner or slightly experienced travelers.

• By air: France-Colombo.

• Entry requirements: passport + electronic travel authorization (ETA).

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily backpacker budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for weather/crowds/prices:

• Highlights (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★★; Culture ★★★★; Relaxation ★★/★★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 76/188 (2018 ranking)

• GDP per capita: $12,900 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +6.5% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 4.4% (2017)

• Population below poverty line: 6.7% (2013)

• Life expectancy: 77.1 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -1.3 (2017)

• Population growth: +0.73% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 92.6% (2016)

• Urban population: 18.5% (2018)

• Press freedom: 131/180 (2018 ranking)

• Political regime: flawed democracy (71/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook