Just The Facts

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is often overlooked among the South Asian nations. Here are eight reasons it shouldn’t be.

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Takeaways


  • Per capita income in Sri Lanka has doubled since 2005 to US $3,380.
  • Former Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, was the modern world’s first female head of government.
  • Over 25% of Sri Lanka’s total area is protected, more than any other Asian nation.

1. Sri Lanka’s economy is predicted to grow 7% per annum through 2019, one of the highest rates in the world.

2. Per capita income has doubled since 2005 to US $3,380.

3. Sri Lanka is the world’s second largest exporter of tea.

4. It has South Asia’s highest literacy rate of 92%.

 
5. Trincomalee, on the East coast of Sri Lanka, is the world’s second largest natural harbor.

6. Former Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike (1916 – 2000), was the modern world’s first female head of government.

7. Sri Lanka is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Asia. Over 25% of Sri Lanka’s total area is protected, more than any other Asian nation.

8. Sri Lanka is home to the oldest human-planted tree in the world, considered to be a sapling from the historical Bodhi tree under which Gautama Buddha became enlightened.

Editor’s Note: Credit to Eric Stryson, Managing Director at Global Institute for Tomorrow

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