Sri Lanka

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Former: Serendib, Ceylon

Our Summary
             The first inhabitants of Sri Lanka arrived in 6th century B.C. Budhism a major religion now, was introduced in 3rd century. A civilization was formed around the cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Then in the 14th century it was occupied by India, then in the 16th century it was occupied by Portugal and then in 1796 it was controlled by Britain. It gained Independence in 1948 and in 1972 changed it's name to Sri Lanka. Then after two decades of fighting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil formeda cease fire finally stopping violence.

Geography         
Location:        
Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India
Area:      
Total: 65,610 sq km
Climate:          
Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)
Terrain:           
Mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior
Natural resources:      
Limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower
Natural hazards:         
Occasional cyclones and tornadoes
Environment - current issues: 
deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal; air pollution in Colombo       
            People               
Population:         
20,222,240
Ethnic groups:
Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, other 0.5%, unspecified 10% (2001 census provisional data)
Religions:       
Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, unspecified 10% (2001 census provisional data)
Languages:     
Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%
            Government       
Government type:      
Republic
Capital:           
Colombo; note - Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the legislative capital
Independence:           
4 February 1948 (from UK)
National holiday:       
Independence Day, 4 February (1948)
chief of state: President Mahinda RAJAPAKSE (since 19 November 2005); the president is considered both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Mahinda RAJAPAKSE (since 19 November 2005
Flag description:        
yellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side panel has two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange; the other panel is a large dark red rectangle with a yellow lion holding a sword, and there is a yellow bo leaf in each corner; the yellow field appears as a border around the entire flag and extends between the two panels
            Economy            
Economy:
Agriculture - products:
Rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, spices, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, beef; fish
Industries:
Processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco and other agricultural commodities; telecommunications, insurance, banking; clothing, textiles; cement, petroleum refining
Currency (code):        
Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
            Military          
Military branches:      
Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force
Military service age and obligation:   
18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Click here to return to map