Sri Lanka County Profile and Vital Statistic

Size: 65,525 sq Km

Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura

Commercial Capital: Colombo

Annual per capital GNP: US$ 876

Population; 19.6 million

Population density: 311 people per sq km

Life expectancy at birth: 74 female, 69 male

Literacy rate: 91.8 Percent

Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English, English is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka , with the exception of remote villages.

Ethnic mix: Sinhalese, 74 percent; Tamils, 18 percent; Muslims, 7 percent; Burghers (descendants o Dutch and Portuguese colonists) and others 1 percent

Religions: Buddhism, 70 percent; Hinduism, 16 percent; Christianity, 7 percent; Islam, 7 percent

Climate: Lowlands tropical, average 27 0 C

Central Hills cooler, with temperatures dropping to14 0 C. The south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north-eastern monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. Sri Lanka boosts a good climate for holiday-makers throughout the year.

Location: Island off the south-eastern shores of India , 5 0 55and 9 0 55 north of the equator in the Indian Ocean .

Major Exports: Textiles and garments petroleum products, tea, rubber & rubber products, gems and jewellery and spices.

Labour Force: 37 percent agriculture; 44 percent industry and commerce; 19 percent service industries.

Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee

Visas: Residents from 72 countries are issued visas on arrival. Consult your local Sri Lankan embassy or consulate, or tourist office or travel agent.

Working week: Sri Lanka works a five-day week, from Monday to Friday

Business hours: Government offices 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday

Banks 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. Monday to Friday

Post offices 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. Saturday