Country Profile: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island nation in Southern Asia, is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, just south of India. The country has a population of approximately 21.98 million, composed primarily of Sinhalese and Tamils among other ethnic groups. Its economy, heavily reliant on tourism and remittances, has faced significant challenges, including a contraction in recent years due to various crises. Governed as a presidential republic, Sri Lanka has encountered political turbulence, especially following a protracted civil conflict that ended in 2009.

Geography

Sri Lanka spans an area of 65,610 sq km, characterized by a tropical monsoon climate and a diverse terrain ranging from low plains to mountains in the south-central region. The island's strategic location near important Indian Ocean shipping routes enhances its geopolitical significance.

Population concentration primarily in the southwest wet zone.
Coastline length of 1,340 km.
Highest point: Pidurutalagala at 2,524 m.
Natural resources include limestone, graphite, and hydropower.

People and Society

With an estimated population of 21,982,608 in 2024, Sri Lanka is culturally diverse, with the Sinhalese making up 74.9% of the population. The official languages are Sinhala and Tamil, reflecting the ethnic makeup, while Buddhism is the predominant religion.

Life expectancy at birth: 76.8 years (2024).
Urban population: 19.2% of the total population (2023).
Literacy rate: 92.7% (2023).
Median age: 34.1 years (2024).

Economy

Sri Lanka's economy is characterized by a significant contraction in 2022-2023, leading to increased poverty and inflation. The country engages heavily in tourism and remittances, but economic diversification remains crucial for sustainable growth.

Real GDP (PPP): $301.407 billion (2024 est.).
GDP growth rate: estimated at 5% for 2024 after negative growth in prior years.
Unemployment rate: 5% (2024).
Major exports include garments and tea.

Government

Sri Lanka operates as a presidential republic, with the president serving as both the head of state and government. The recent elections led to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake taking office in September 2024, amid ongoing governance issues.

Legislative structure: Unicameral Parliament with 225 members.
Latest constitution was adopted on August 16, 1978.
Suffrage age: 18 years.
Administrative divisions: 9 provinces.

Military and Security

The Sri Lanka Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, play a critical role in national defense and internal security. The military has been downsizing while maintaining a significant deployment in peacekeeping missions abroad.

Active military personnel: approximately 210,000 (2025).
Military expenditure: 1.5% of GDP (2024).
Military service age: voluntary from 18 to 22 years.
Deployed personnel: 240 in Mali (2024).

Energy

Sri Lanka has achieved 100% electricity access as of 2022. The country's energy generation is primarily from a mix of fossil fuels and hydroelectric sources.

Installed electricity capacity: 5.326 million kW (2023).
Electricity consumption: 15.763 billion kWh (2023).
Energy consumption per capita: 12.372 million Btu/person (2023).
Coal consumption: 2.323 million metric tons (2023).

Environment

Sri Lanka faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements, striving for sustainable management of resources.

Urbanization rate: 1.22% annual change (2020-2025 est.).
Key environmental issues: coastal degradation, waste disposal, and air pollution.
Total renewable water resources: 52.8 billion cubic meters (2022).
Annual municipal solid waste generated: 2.632 million tons (2024 est.).

Transportation

Sri Lanka's transportation network includes a mix of rail, air, and sea transport systems, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the island.

Railway length: 1,562 km (2016).
Total airports: 18 (2025).
Merchant marine: 96 vessels (2023).
Total ports: 6 (2024).

Communications

The communications infrastructure is robust, with significant mobile and internet penetration across the population.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 30 million (2023).
Internet users: 51% of the population (2023).
Fixed line subscriptions: 1.707 million (2023).
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 2.01 million (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	21,982,608 (2024 est.)
Area	65,610 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$301.407 billion (2024 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	12.372 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Unemployment rate	5% (2024)
Birth rate	14.5 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth	76.8 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate	92.7% (2023 est.)
Military expenditure	1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Urban population	19.2% (2023)