Sri Lanka
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Capital
Colombo
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Local time
5:12
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Population
21.51 m
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Driving side
Left
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Calling code
+94
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Currency
Rs LKR (rupee)
Sri Lanka
-
Capital
Colombo
-
Local time
5:12
-
Population
21.51 m
-
Driving side
Left
-
Calling code
+94
-
Currency
Rs LKR (rupee)
-
Average Salary
$ 352
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Petrol price
€ 1.27 pl
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Precipitation
1 712mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
65 610 km2
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Protected Area
23%
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Forest Area
33%
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Agricultural area
43%
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Railways
1463km
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Annual air passengers
5.28 m
Population
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Ethnicity
Sinhalese - 73 %
Sri Lankan Moors - 7 %
Indian Tamil - 4 %
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Religion
Buddhist - 70 %
Islam - 8 %
Islam - 8 %
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Literacy rates
91.2%
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Languages
Sinhala - 74 %
Tamil - 18 %
other - 8 %
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Armed Forces
265 200
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Alcohol consumption
4.5 l/person
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Smoking
28.4%
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Diabetes
8%
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Malaria
0%
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Tuberculosis
65 per 100k
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HIV
0.1%
Economy
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Industries
processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco, telecommunications, insurance, banking, tourism, shipping
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Agriculture
rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, spices, vegetables, fruit, tea
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Natural Resources
limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower
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Energy Import
50%
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Natural Resources
limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower
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Renewable Energy
57%
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CO2 Emissions
18 394kt
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Ease of Business
111 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
17
What not to do when visiting Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Don’t forget shaking hands is common, but greetings depend on the ethnic group. The older generation will use the "namaste" (palms clasped together chin level with a slight nod of the head). The Sinhalese may say "ayubowan." (may you be blessed with a long life), Tamils would say "vanakkam." (may you be blessed with a long life). Many Sri Lankan women will refrain from physical contact with a man outside their family, so always wait to see if a woman extends her hand or not.
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Sri Lanka Don't wear short skirts or anything too tight if woman and not looking for extra attention.
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Sri Lanka Don't take photos posing near a Buddha - it can be considered offensive.
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Did you know?
Sri Lanka was connected to mainland India by a thin land bridge until 1480, making it one of the world’s youngest islands.
Sri Lanka Don't disturb the monks or get their attention when meditating, be respectful.
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Sri Lanka Don’t lose your face or cause face loss to anyone in public - maintaining face is essential for all communication.
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Sri Lanka Don't forget to cover your tattoos, especially in the Kandy region or before entering sacred sites. Tattoos are frowned upon in Sri Lanka, tattoos of the Buddha are highly offensive.
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Sri Lanka Don't take photos at shrines without permission from the Bhikku.
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Sri Lanka Don’t ever disrespect Buddha and any objects associated with Buddha or Buddhism
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Sri Lanka Don’t be a victim of mosquito-borne diseases - protect yourself against bites by mosquitoes.
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Sri Lanka Don’t give flowers (they are used in mourning) and don’t give pig products or alcohol if the recipient is Muslim.
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Sri Lanka Don't be surprised purchase of alcohol and fresh meat is banned during full moon Poya Days celebration once a month.
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Sri Lanka Don't drink alcohol or smoke in public - it's prohibited in most public places.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Sri Lanka Don’t forget the rainy season occurs between December and March in the northeast and from May to October in the southwest.
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