A Brief Description
In the emerald-green waters of the Indian Ocean, the island country of Sri Lanka was first populated by the Sinhalese peoples from northern India.
As the European influences spread throughout southern Asia in the 16th century, it was eventually occupied by the Portuguese, and later, the Dutch in the 17th century.
Then, in 1796, it was ceded to Britain by the Netherlands, becoming a crown colony in 1802.
Long known as Ceylon, and as a popular port-of-call, it declared independence in 1948, subsequently changing its name to Sri Lanka in 1972.
For decades that followed, internal strife seemed indigenous to Sri Lanka, as tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists finally erupted into a civil war in 1983.
Tens of thousands died in that ethnic conflict, and although now on the proverbial back-burner, social and governmental conflicts continue to fester.
Then tragically, Sri Lanka, frequently referred to as the "Teardrop of India," was itself devastated by the powerful earthquake-triggered tsunami (or tidal wave) on December 26, 2004.
Today this tropical island is again on the radar screen's of worldwide travelers, as Sri Lanka, though struggling, is quickly rebuilding its infrastructure and making a strong comeback, especially in tourism.
And happily, for the most part, island-wide peaceful coexistence seems to be catching on.
For more information on Sri Lanka, click here
Hikkaduwa Beach, Sri Lanka!
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Facts and Figures
 Name Sri Lanka
(long form) Democratic Socialist Rep. of Sri Lanka
Population 20,064,800
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Colombo (710,000) metro (2.5 mil)
Currency Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Currency Converter
here
Languages Sinhala (official), Tamil, others
Flag here
National Day February 4
Religions Buddhist (70%), Muslim, Hindu, others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
06º 55' N, 79º 52' E
Relative Location Sri Lanka is in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It's positioned on the far southern edge of the Indian subcontinent in south-central Asia. It's bordered by the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar. Note: There is no land connection between India and Sri Lanka.
Land Statistics
Coastline 832 miles (1,340 km)
Land Areas
(land) 25,332 sq miles (65,610 sq km)
(water) 336 sq miles (870 sq km)
(TOTAL) 25,332 sq miles (65,610 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms
Most is Sri Lanka is ringed by (almost endless) sandy beaches, and small, irregular lagoons. The coastal areas merge into a flat coastal plain, one that gently rises into the foothills of a mountainous region, central and south.
Intermixed throughout those mountains are numerous deep valleys and gorges. About 40% of the landmass is heavily forested.
Pidurutalagala, the country's highest point, as well as Adam's Peak (the country's famous religious site) both rise in the mountains directly east of Colombo.
Numerous short and narrow rivers rise in the central highland; the most significant include the Kala, Kalu, Kirindi and Yan rivers.
 Highest Point Pidurutalagala - 8,261 ft. (2,518 m)
 Lowest Point Indian Ocean - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 8 provinces, including: Central, North Central, North Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and Western.
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Maps
Sri Lanka (large color) Map here
Sri Lanka Outline Map here
Sri Lanka CIA version here
Sri Lanka Maps at UT here
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Asia Continent (printable) here
Asia Outline Map here
Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here
Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here
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Indian Subcontinent Map here
Middle East Landforms here
Middle East Map here
Middle East Outline Map here
Middle East Rivers here
Ring of Fire Map here
Tsunami Map (December 2004) here
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World Outline Maps (printable) here
World Time Zone Map here
Recommended Links
Sri Lanka (Complete) info on the (GDP)
economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here
Sri Lanka Embassy (Washington, DC)
here
Sri Lanka History
here
Sri Lanka News
here
Sri Lanka Photos at TrekEarth.com here
Sri Lanka Tourism (official site)
here
Elephants bathing in Sri Lanka!
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Time and Weather
Climate
Summer monsoons (May - October) and the winter monsoon (December - March) cover the south and southwestern parts of the island with rain, while conditions are dryer central and north.
Based on its tropical latitude, Sri Lanka is hot and humid throughout the year, with daily high temperatures averaging near 84º F.
From (December - February) overall conditions do moderate, with average highs in the low 70s.
Traveler Info
Attractions
There is an on-going threat of terrorism in Sri Lanka from the LLTE organization, however, few attacks have occurred in the last few years.
In that regard, the U.S. State Department and other governments post warnings for travelers, especially in Colombo, and during any mass gathering or political rally. Travelers are requested to take the necessary steps to protect their personal safety.
That aside, Sri Lanka is without doubt one of the most scenic places on the planet, and well worth visiting. It's world renown for thick, tropical jungles, perfect beaches and a full-calendar of colorful festivals.
Major points-of-interest include the ancient town of Anuradhapura; Batticaloa and its singing fish; the rock temple at Dambulla; the exotic port city of Galle; Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage; the sacred mountain of Adam's Peak; Hikkaduwa beach; the cultural city of Kandy, and the wide sandy beaches on the west coast near Negomo - to name but a few.
Colombo Hotels, Tours and Travel Information
Country Dialing Code 94
Electricity Sri Lanka uses 230 volts AC (50 Hz)
Electrical adapters, products and tips here
Travel Warnings
here
PASSPORTS - TRAVEL VISAS
NOTE: Before making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding all passport and visa requirements. The experienced people at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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