Size - 65,610 Sq. Km.
Capital - Sri Jayawardenapura.
Commercial Capital - Colombo.
Population - 19.8 million.
Population density - 317 persons per Sq. Km. Human Development Index - (2004) 0.755. Rank among 177 countries 93.
Life expectancy at birth - Male 71.7 years. Female 77.0 years.
Literacy rate - (overall) 92.5%.
Languages - Sinhala, Tamil, English. English is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka with the exception of remote villages.
Ethnic mix - Sinhalese, 74%, Tamils 18%, Muslims 7%, Burghers and others1%.
Religions - Buddhism 70%, Hinduism 16&, Christianity 7&, Islam 7%.
Climate - Lowlands tropical, Average 27OC.
Major exports - Textiles and garments, petroleum products, tea, rubber, rubber products, gems, jewellery and spices.
Source: Annual report 2006, Central Bank of Sri Lanka & Relevant Institutions.
Excerpt from 'Gem Talk', Oct-Dec 2007.
