Sri Lanka Population

Population Distribution

As of 2023, the latest population of Sri Lanka is 22,889,201, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).

People in Sri Lanka

Most of the residents of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese, namely 75 out of 100. Sinhalese means ” lion man” by the way. 15 out of 100 residents are Tamils. 10 out of 100 residents are Muslims who are called Moors. They are mostly descendants of Arab immigrants.

Most of the Tamils ​​live in the north or east of the island. Some of the Tamils ​​come from Sri Lanka, the smaller part from India. A large number of Indian Tamils ​​work on the tea plantations in the north. Their ancestors come from India and already worked on the plantations of the British colonial rulers.

Most of the 22 million people live in rural areas. Only 18 out of 100 live in a city. A small part lives directly on the country’s plantations. Four out of 100 people in Sri Lanka live in extreme poverty and live on less than one euro a day. 23 out of 100 do not have enough money to buy food. Many residents also go abroad to earn money there and to be able to support their families.

Languages in Sri Lanka

The country’s official languages ​​are Sinhala and Tamil. English is also spoken, especially in the larger cities or tourist regions of the country.

Religions in Sri Lanka

Most Sinhalese are Buddhists. There are almost 70,000 Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The Tamils ​​are mostly Hindus and the Moors are always Muslim. Everywhere in the country there are Buddhist and Hindu temples, but also mosques. Sometimes the beliefs mix and especially in the southwest of Sri Lanka the belief in spirits is still very widespread.

Buddhism

Buddha’s teaching knows no god and also no further life after death. Man has to ensure that he is happy on earth. And he will not do this by striving for wealth, but by succeeding in overcoming the suffering that is in the world and in finding himself. According to this, only each individual finds salvation for himself. And how he gets there, Buddha shows. Buddha is also not a god, but in the broadest sense a teacher and guide. This is where the Buddhist religion differs from other world religions such as Christianity or Islam, which worship a certain god and believe in a life in the hereafter.

Buddhist teaching came in the 3rd century BC. In today’s Sri Lanka, where the Hindus people followed the caste system. The teachings of the Buddha had already spread to the Indian continent. It was also understood as a protest against the caste system, especially against the Brahmins caste (that is, the priests). These stood at the top of the caste system and wanted to maintain their power. And since the Buddha’s teaching does not know any god, there is no need for priests to establish a connection with a god. At least that’s how it was in India. In Sri Lanka, the caste system was not so strong and the Brahmins had no power, so Buddhism was easier to establish and spread.

But the struggle between the new Buddhist and the old Hindu rulers was not only a religious but also a political struggle for power. This also explains why, many years later (until today), there were always serious arguments.

Buddhism became a national Buddhism that fought against the Hindu Tamils. For many years the Sinhalese Buddhists had defended their religion externally. Even the Christians could not gain ground in Sri Lanka. So they relied on this form of state Buddhism and repelled all other religions.

Sri Lanka Overview

Sri Lanka, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, is famous for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and biodiversity. The country is renowned for its ancient cities, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sigiriya and Anuradhapura, which showcase the island’s fascinating history and architectural marvels. Sri Lanka’s lush tea plantations in the hill country produce some of the world’s finest Ceylon tea, while its golden beaches along the coastline offer idyllic settings for sunbathing and water sports. With its warm hospitality, flavorful cuisine, and diverse wildlife, including the majestic elephants in national parks like Yala and Udawalawe, Sri Lanka captivates travelers with its beauty and charm.

• Capital City: Colombo
• Population: Approximately 22 million
• Area: 65,610 square kilometers
• Full Country Name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
• Language: Sinhala, Tamil
• ISO Country Codes: LK, LKA

Bordering Countries of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of India. It is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal to its east and the Arabian Sea to its west. The country has two main bordering countries: India and Maldives.

India is located in South Asia and is Sri Lanka’s largest neighbor, with a land border spanning 1,000 miles. In addition to being a close neighbor, India also shares a close cultural connection with Sri Lanka and has been a major source of trade for centuries. The countries have strong diplomatic ties and cooperate on issues such as maritime security, economic development, counter-terrorism initiatives, and trade agreements.

The Maldives is an archipelago located just south of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. The two countries are separated by only 25 miles at their closest point. The Maldives have strong ties with Sri Lanka as well, sharing many cultural similarities as well as historical connections dating back to the 12th century when Buddhist monks traveled between them. In recent years, both countries have worked together on infrastructure projects such as roads and ports linking them together and enhancing their economic relationship.