Country Profile: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, located in Southern Asia in the Indian Ocean, south of India, is an island nation marked by a rich historical tapestry that includes Sinhalese and Tamil cultures. With an estimated population of over 22 million people, it grapples with a complex socio-political landscape influenced by a history of ethnic tensions and civil conflict. The country’s economy has faced significant strain in recent years, highlighted by a severe economic contraction and heavy reliance on tourism and remittances. Governed as a presidential republic, Sri Lanka is undergoing political reforms amidst ongoing challenges.
Geography
Sri Lanka is an island with a total area of 65,610 sq km, featuring a diverse terrain that includes low plains and mountains in the south-central region. The country experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two primary monsoon seasons: northeast (December to March) and southwest (June to October). It has a coastline of 1,340 km, with no land boundaries.
- Highest point: Pidurutalagala at 2,524 m
- Natural resources include: limestone, graphite, gems, and arable land
- Population distribution: concentrated in a broad wet zone in the southwest and urban centers along the eastern coast
People and Society
Sri Lanka's estimated population of 22,050,561 (2025 est.) includes a diverse mix of ethnic groups: 74.9% Sinhalese, 11.2% Sri Lankan Tamil, and 9.2% Sri Lankan Moors. The official languages are Sinhala and Tamil, while English serves as a common link language. The country has a life expectancy of 76.8 years and boasts a literacy rate of 92.7%.
- Median age: 34.2 years (2025 est.)
- Urban population: 19.2% (2023)
- Dependency ratio: 53.9 (2025 est.)
Economy
Sri Lanka's economy is recovering from a severe contraction, with a projected GDP growth rate of 5% for 2024 following a contraction of -2.3% in 2023. The economy relies heavily on tourism and remittances, exacerbating vulnerabilities due to its non-diversified nature. The GDP (PPP) is estimated at $301.407 billion for 2024.
- Unemployment rate: 5% (2024 est.)
- Public debt: 79.1% of GDP (2017)
- Major exports: garments, tea, and precious stones
Government
Sri Lanka operates as a presidential republic with a blend of Roman-Dutch civil law and English common law. The current president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, took office on 23 September 2024. The country has a unicameral legislature consisting of 225 seats.
- Last election date: 21 September 2024
- Suffrage: Universal for citizens aged 18 years and older
- Administrative divisions: 9 provinces
Military and Security
The Sri Lankan Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with an estimated 210,000 active personnel (2025). Military expenditures are approximately 1.5% of GDP for 2024. The military has a historical context of conflict against the LTTE and maintains peacekeeping deployments in regions like the Central African Republic and Lebanon.
- Military service age: 18-24 years (voluntary)
- Primary roles: external defense and internal security
- Equipment sources: primarily from China, India, and Russia
Energy
Sri Lanka has achieved 100% electrification for its population as of 2022. The country's electricity generation capacity totals 5.326 million kW, with a notable reliance on fossil fuels and hydroelectricity.
- Electricity consumption: 15.763 billion kWh (2023)
- Coal consumption: 2.323 million metric tons (2023)
- Renewable energy sources: hydroelectricity makes up 40.7% of total capacity
Environment
Environmental challenges in Sri Lanka include deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. The majority of its land is utilized for agriculture, while the country participates in numerous international environmental agreements.
- Total forest area: 34.4% (2023 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: approximately 19.153 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Major issues: coastal degradation and freshwater pollution
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure includes 18 airports and 1,562 km of railways, facilitating domestic and international travel. The country has a merchant marine fleet of 96 vessels.
- Ports: A total of 6, with key ports in Colombo and Galle
- Airports: 18 operational (2025)
- Civil aircraft registration code: 4R
Communications
Sri Lanka's communication network includes a robust mobile cellular market, with 30.6 million subscriptions as of 2024, reflecting a penetration rate of 133 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.
- Internet users: 51% of the population (2023 est.)
- Total fixed-line subscriptions: 1.707 million (2023)
- Broadband subscriptions: 2.01 million (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,050,561 (2025 est.) | |
| Area | 65,610 sq km | Total area of the country |
| GDP (PPP) | $301.407 billion (2024 est.) | Purchasing power parity |
| Unemployment Rate | 5% (2024 est.) | Percentage of labor force |
| Life Expectancy | 76.8 years (2024 est.) | Average life span |
| Literacy Rate | 92.7% (2023 est.) | Total population literacy |
| Electricity Access | 100% (2022 est.) | Total electrification level |
| Agricultural Land | 48.6% (2023 est.) | Percentage of land used for agriculture |
| Military Expenditures | 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.) | Military budget percentage |
| Urban Population | 19.2% (2023) | Percentage of urban residents |
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