The flag of Sri Lanka features two large adjacent but separate rectangular areas, centered on a golden-yellow field. The smaller hoist-side rectangle is divided into two equal vertical bands of teal and orange, and the larger fly-side rectangle is maroon with a centered golden-yellow lion holding a Kastane sword in its right fore-paw and four golden-yellow Bo leaves, one in each corner.

Sri Lanka

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

People: Sri Lankan

🗣️LanguageSinhala, Tamil
📞Dialling Code+94
🌍RegionSouthern Asia
👥Population21,763,170

Sri Lanka is located in Southern Asia and has a population of around 21.8 million. Its capital city is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, and the most widely spoken official language is Sinhala. As an island nation, Sri Lanka has no land borders.

By the numbers, Sri Lanka is the 61st most populous of the 196 countries covered on this site, home to 0.27% of the world's population. By land area it ranks 120th out of 196, with a population density of roughly 332 people per km².

Facts last checked 31 August 2026.

Sri Lanka — key facts at a glance

Official NameDemocratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Capital CitySri Jayawardenepura Kotte
ContinentAsia
RegionSouthern Asia
Population21,763,170
Area65,610 km²
CurrencySri Lankan rupee (LKR) Rs රු
Official LanguagesSinhala, Tamil
Dialling Code+94
Internet TLD.lk
TimezoneUTC+05:30
Drives on theLeft side
Emergency Number112 (works on most mobile networks worldwide)
ISO CodeLK / LKA
BordersIsland nation / no land borders

Travelling to Sri Lanka?

Driving side: Left
Emergency number: 112 (works on most mobile networks worldwide)
Calling from abroad: +94 then the local number

Before you fly, run through a free packing checklist for Sri Lanka. Pack a universal travel adapter for your devices. You can also check clothing and shoe sizes in Sri Lanka before you shop, and look up popular foods from Sri Lanka if you want to know what's on the menu.

Leaving your car at a UK airport? Compare off-airport parking with Airparks before you fly to Sri Lanka. US: Heading somewhere sunny — check out Otra's trend-led sunglasses before you pack.

Getting to and around Sri Lanka

This site is a member of the CJ Affiliate and AWIN affiliate networks. We earn commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

CAR HIRE

Book a Rental Car with Carla — Pay at Pickup
Compare car hire prices for Sri Lanka — reserve with no upfront payment via Carla.

Search Car Hire with Carla →
FLIGHTS

Search Cheap Flights to Sri Lanka
Find and book cheap airfare with flexible dates and hundreds of airlines.

Search Flights with Ovago →

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka?

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We are also a member of the CJ Affiliate and AWIN affiliate networks. Links below are affiliate links.

AMAZON

Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Plan your trip with a comprehensive, up-to-date guide.

Check Price →
AMAZON

Sinhala Phrasebook
Learn key phrases before you land.

Check Price →
VPN

Protect Your Devices on Public Wifi
Hotel and airport wifi in Sri Lanka carries real risk — a VPN keeps your logins and card details private on any network.

See NordVPN Deal →
AMAZON

Packing Cubes Set
Keep your luggage organised for the trip to Sri Lanka.

Check Price →

Frequently Asked Questions about Sri Lanka

What is the capital and currency of Sri Lanka?

The capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and the currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), symbol Rs රු.

What is the capital of Sri Lanka?

The capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

What currency does Sri Lanka use?

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR, symbol: Rs රු).

What language do they speak in Sri Lanka?

The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil.

What is the dialling code for Sri Lanka?

The international dialling code for Sri Lanka is +94.

What side of the road does Sri Lanka drive on?

Sri Lanka drives on the left-hand side of the road.

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Last updated: