Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka - Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (there. இலங்கை)

A country in South Asia, on the same island off the southeastern coast of India. Since the time of the Portuguese invasion and until independence in European languages, the country was called Ceylon (from the port. Ceilão).

Sri Lanka - an ancient country, known all over the world under the name of Ceylon. The main pride of the island - the vast tea plantations and endless rice fields. Deep traditions of the local population and at the same time, freedom of religion, many holy relics and temples (mostly Buddhist) attract many pilgrims. Many tourists travel to Sri Lanka to see the colorful world full of exotic, beautiful nature and enjoy a swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Basic kinds of tourism in the country - excursions and recreation.

General information

The location, grounds and landscape 

Sri Lanka - an island located in the Indian Ocean to the north of the equator, south of the Indian subcontinent. It is separated from India by Manarsky and Polksky straits.

The country's territory is 65 610 km². 

In the center of the southern part of the island is located the Central Massif with its highest point - Mount Pidurutalagala (2524 m). From the mountains to the coast are draining a few small rivers - Mahaweli (the longest river), Kelani, Kalu and Aruvi-Aru. On the coast generally lowlands are arranged.

Population: more than 21 million 675 thousand people.

Capital: official Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (the seat of the parliament and the Supreme Court, 115 thousand inhabitants), the actual capital - Colombo (the seat of government, the President's residence).

Biggest cities: Colombo.

Languages: Sinhala and Tamil.

Religion: Buddhism is spread among the believers (69%), Hindus - about 15%, Christians - 8% (mainly Catholic), Muslims - 8%. According to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, it is proclaimed freedom of religion.

Time zone: UTC +05:30.

Calling code: +94.

Currency: Lanka Rupee (LKR), which is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees coins of 1, 2, 5 rupees and 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents. Rates 1.00 USD ≅ 131.27 LKR, 1.00 EUR ≅ 178.35 LKR.

Credit card payment systems: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.