ශ්රී ලංකා තානාපති කාර්යාලය, සෝල්, කොරියානු ජනරජය
இலங்கைத் தூதரகம், சியோல், கொரியக் குடியரசு
Embassy of Sri Lanka, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Sri Lanka at a Glance
Official Name
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Known historically as Taprobane, Serendib, and Ceylon, Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. Owing to its strategic position along the major East–West maritime routes, Sri Lanka has served as a centre of trade and cultural exchange for over two millennia.
Renowned as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of ancient civilization, diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and warm hospitality. Despite its compact size, the country is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, wildlife reserves, scenic hill country, and a cultural heritage spanning more than 2,500 years.
National Symbols
National Anthem: Sri Lanka Matha
National Flag: The National Flag of Sri Lanka
National Emblem: National Emblem of Sri Lanka
National Bird: Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii)
National Tree: Na Tree (Mesua ferrea)
National Flower: Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea nouchali)
General Information
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Between 5°55′–9°51′ North Latitude and 79°41′–81°53′ East Longitude |
| Area | 65,610 sq. km |
| Dimensions | Approximately 433 km (North–South) and 226 km (East–West) |
| Coastline | Approximately 1,340 km |
| Administrative Capital | Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte |
| Commercial Capital | Colombo |
| Currency | Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) |
| Independence | 4 February 1948 |
| National Day | 4 February |
| Time Zone | Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC +5:30) |
| Country Code | +94 |
| Internet Domain | .lk |
| Official Languages | Sinhala and Tamil |
| Link Language | English |
| Climate | Tropical climate with two monsoon seasons; average temperatures range from 26°C–30°C in lowlands |
| Highest Mountain | Pidurutalagala (2,524 m) |
| Highest Waterfall | Bambarakanda Falls (263 m) |
Population
| Indicator | Information |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Estimate) | Approximately 22 million |
| Population Density | Approximately 335 persons per sq. km |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | Approximately 77 years |
| Literacy Rate | Over 92% |
Ethnic Composition
- Sinhala – Approximately 74%
- Sri Lankan Tamil – Approximately 11%
- Indian Tamil – Approximately 4%
- Sri Lankan Moor – Approximately 9%
- Others – Approximately 2%
Religious Composition
- Buddhism
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Christianity
Sri Lanka guarantees freedom of religion under its Constitution and is home to a rich multicultural and multi-religious society.
Economy
Sri Lanka is a lower-middle-income developing economy with a strong services sector and growing opportunities in manufacturing, tourism, logistics, information technology, renewable energy, and value-added agriculture.
| Indicator | Information |
|---|---|
| Nominal GDP (2024 Estimate) | Approximately USD 85–90 billion |
| Per Capita GDP (Nominal) | Approximately USD 3,800–4,000 |
| Major Economic Sectors | Services, Industry, Agriculture |
| Main Agricultural Products | Tea, Rubber, Coconut, Rice, Spices, Fruits and Vegetables |
| Key Manufacturing Industries | Apparel, Rubber Products, Food Processing, Electronics, Boat Building, Pharmaceuticals |
| Emerging Sectors | Information Technology (IT), Business Process Management (BPM), Renewable Energy, Logistics, Digital Services |
Major Exports
- Apparel and Textiles
- Tea
- Rubber Products
- Coconut-based Products
- Gems and Jewellery
- Cinnamon and Other Spices
- Seafood
- ICT and Business Process Management (BPM) Services
Major Imports
- Petroleum Products
- Machinery and Equipment
- Motor Vehicles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textile Materials
- Chemical Products
- Food Items
- Building Materials
Major Trading Partners
Sri Lanka's principal trading partners include:
- United States
- India
- China
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- United Arab Emirates
- Singapore
- Republic of Korea
Tourism
Sri Lanka is internationally recognised as one of the world's leading travel destinations, offering:
- Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Over 1,300 km of coastline
- National Parks rich in wildlife, including elephants and leopards
- Scenic hill country and tea plantations
- Ancient cities and religious heritage
- Ayurveda and wellness tourism
- Adventure and eco-tourism
Investment Opportunities
Sri Lanka offers investment opportunities in:
- Manufacturing
- Logistics and Ports
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Renewable Energy
- ICT and Digital Economy
- Agribusiness
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Healthcare
- Education
- Infrastructure Development
Its strategic location at the centre of the Indian Ocean positions Sri Lanka as a gateway to South Asia and a key hub connecting East-West maritime trade routes.
Sources
- Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka
- Central Bank of Sri Lanka
- Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development
- Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB)
- Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI)
- Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)
Information updated as of 2025.