Sri Lanka: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Sri Lanka 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Sri Lanka: 128
  • Happiness Score Sri Lanka:3.898

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Sri Lanka. LK.

    Sri Lanka is a island country located in South Asia, with a democratic political structure and a rich cultural heritage influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and colonial history. Its economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and exports such as tea and textiles.

  • Sri Lanka was formerly known as Ceylon until 1972 when it became a republic and changed its name to Sri Lanka.
  • The country is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the sacred city of Kandy.
  • Sri Lanka has a diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and marine life, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism.
  • Sri Lanka – A Comprehensive Overview

    History and Background

    Early History: The island of Sri Lanka has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The Sinhalese people trace their ancestry to the Indo-Aryan settlers who arrived on the island around the 5th century BCE. The island’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean made it a vital trading hub, attracting settlers from various parts of Asia.

    Kingdoms and Empires: Sri Lanka has a rich history of ancient kingdoms and empires. The Anuradhapura Kingdom (377 BCE–1017 CE) and the Polonnaruwa Kingdom (1056–1293 CE) were two of the most prominent and influential kingdoms, renowned for their architectural marvels and sophisticated irrigation systems. The island was later ruled by the Kotte and Kandy Kingdoms before falling under European colonial rule.

    Colonial Period: The Portuguese were the first European colonial power to establish control over parts of Sri Lanka in the early 16th century. The Dutch later gained control of the coastal areas in the 17th century, followed by the British, who established their rule over the entire island in the early 19th century. The British colonial period had a significant impact on Sri Lanka’s economy, infrastructure, and socio-political landscape.

    Independence and Modern Era: Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule in 1948 and became a republic in 1972. The country experienced a prolonged civil war from 1983 to 2009 between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist group seeking an independent Tamil homeland. The conflict ended in 2009 with the military defeat of the LTTE, but the country continues to face challenges related to reconciliation and post-war reconstruction.

    Current Political Situation: Sri Lanka is a unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic with a multi-party system. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The current President is Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took office in July 2022 after the resignation of the previous president due to economic and political turmoil.

    International Relations: Sri Lanka maintains close ties with regional powers like India and China, as well as with other countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia. The country is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

    Human Development and Economy: Sri Lanka has made significant strides in human development, with a high literacy rate and relatively good healthcare and education systems. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, textiles and garments, and tourism. The country has faced economic challenges in recent years, including a significant debt crisis and high inflation rates.

    Cultural Highlights: Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, with a rich cultural heritage influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. The country is known for its ancient cities, such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, as well as its stunning beaches, hill stations, and national parks. Sri Lankan cuisine, which features an array of curries, rice dishes, and seafood, is also a highlight for many visitors.

    Challenges and Opportunities: Sri Lanka faces several challenges, including economic instability, ethnic and religious tensions, and the aftermath of the civil war. However, the country also has opportunities for growth in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. Addressing issues related to reconciliation, human rights, and good governance will be crucial for the country’s long-term stability and development.

Main facts

1. Location

Sri Lanka is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of India. It is situated in South Asia and lies between latitudes 5°55′ and 9°51′ north, and longitudes 79°41′ and 81°53′ east.

2. Map References

Sri Lanka is part of the South Asian subcontinent and is located in the Indian Ocean, southeast of the Indian subcontinent.

3. Area – Comparative

With a total area of 65,610 square kilometers (25,332 square miles), Sri Lanka is slightly larger than the U.S. state of West Virginia.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

As an island nation, Sri Lanka has no land boundaries with any other country.

5. Coastline (if applicable)

Sri Lanka has a coastline of approximately 1,340 kilometers (833 miles), featuring sandy beaches, lagoons, and diverse coastal ecosystems.

6. Maritime Claims

Sri Lanka claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin.

7. Climate

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The country has two distinct monsoon seasons: the northeast monsoon (December to March) and the southwest monsoon (June to October). The central highlands have a cooler climate due to their higher elevation.

8. Terrain

Sri Lanka’s terrain is mostly low, flat to rolling plains, with mountains in the south-central interior. The highest point is Pidurutalagala, reaching 2,524 meters (8,281 feet) above sea level. The country also features numerous rivers, including the Mahaweli River, the longest river in Sri Lanka.

9. Elevation Extremes

The lowest point in Sri Lanka is the Indian Ocean (0 meters), while the highest point is Pidurutalagala at 2,524 meters (8,281 feet) above sea level, located in the Central Highlands.

10. Natural Resources

Sri Lanka’s major natural resources include limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems (such as rubies, sapphires, and topaz), and clay.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Sri Lanka include the Indian Ocean, the Palk Strait (separating Sri Lanka from India), and several significant rivers, such as the Mahaweli River, Kelani River, and Kalu Ganga.

12. Natural Hazards

The primary natural hazards in Sri Lanka include tsunamis, occasional cyclones, flooding, droughts, and landslides.

13. Geography – Notes

Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean has made it an important maritime hub throughout history. The country’s diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical beaches to mountainous regions, contribute to its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. However, environmental challenges, such as deforestation and pollution, pose threats to the country’s natural heritage.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 32.90%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 23,362. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 43.70%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  7.87305480.771797.
  • Capital: The capital of Sri Lanka is  Colombo
  • Major Cities:
    • Colombo – Population: 752,993
    • Gampaha – Population: 125,875
    • Kandy – Population: 125,400
    • Jaffna – Population: 88,138
    • Negombo – Population: 137,223
  • Population: 21,803,000
  • Area(Km2): 65610
  • Population Density( P/Km²):341. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:94
  • Official Language(s):Sri Lanka is Sinhala (74%) and Tamil (18%).
  • Currency: LKR

Main Economic Indicators

Sri Lanka has a diversified service-oriented economy with the services sector accounting for around 60% of GDP. The country’s economy has been impacted by political instability, high debt levels, and external shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable economic policies have focused on fiscal consolidation, promoting foreign investment, and developing export industries.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 54.6% (2022 est.), 6.0% (2021 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook

Credit Ratings

Fitch: Restricted Default (as of April 2022)
Moody’s: Ca (as of May 2022)
Standard & Poor’s: D (as of April 2022)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 7.4%
Industry: 26.1%
Services: 56.8%
(2017 est.)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Tea, rice, coconuts, spices, rubber, palm oil, fruits, vegetables
Industrial Products: Textiles and apparel, food and beverages, processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, and other agricultural commodities, telecommunications, insurance, banking

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 8.594 million (2020 est.)
Country Comparison (World Rank): 64

Current Account Balance

Current Account Balance: -$2.835 billion (2022 est.)
Country Comparison (World Rank): 165

Exports and Imports

Exports: $11.93 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: United States, United Kingdom, India, Germany, Italy
Main Commodities: Textiles and apparel, tea and spices, rubber, precious stones, coconut products, fish
Imports: $21.48 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: India, China, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Malaysia
Main Commodities: Refined petroleum, textile fabrics, machinery and equipment, building materials, meat and edible meat offal

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $1.731 billion (December 2022 est.)
Gold Reserves: 6.7 tonnes (February 2023 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$84,008,783,756. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 11.90%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 55.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.88. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.35. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 4.20%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality (noun): Sri Lankan

Nationality (adjective): Sri Lankan

2. Ethnic Groups

  • Sinhalese: 74.9%
  • Sri Lankan Tamil: 11.2%
  • Sri Lankan Moors: 9.2%
  • Indian Tamil: 4.2%
  • Other: 0.5%

3. Religions

  • Buddhist: 70.2%
  • Hindu: 12.6%
  • Muslim: 9.7%
  • Christian: 6.1%
  • Other/Unspecified: 1.4%

4. Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 24.3%
  • 15-64 years: 66.7%
  • 65 years and over: 9%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 49.5

Youth dependency ratio: 35.5

Elderly dependency ratio: 14

6. Median Age

Total median age: 32.5 years

Median age (male): 31.1 years

Median age (female): 33.9 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 5.2%
  • Alcohol consumption per capita: 4.3 liters
  • Tobacco use: 28.4% of adults
  • Life expectancy at birth: 77.1 years
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 76.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 92.6%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:15.83. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 32.7%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 4,052,088. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):38.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Sri Lanka’s military consists of the Sri Lankan Army, Sri Lankan Navy, and Sri Lankan Air Force. The army is the largest service branch, with specialized units like the Special Forces Regiment and Commando Regiment. The navy includes the Marine Battalion and Rapid Action Boat Squadron for maritime security operations. The air force has fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters.

The Sri Lanka Police Service is responsible for maintaining internal law and order, supported by specialized units like the Special Task Force and Police Narcotics Bureau. The Civil Security Department acts as a paramilitary force for internal security operations.

Military Expenditures

Sri Lanka’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.8%
  • 2021: 1.9%
  • 2020: 2.1%
  • 2019: 2.2%
  • 2018: 2.4%

Sri Lanka ranks 62nd globally in terms of military spending.

Personnel Strengths

Sri Lanka has approximately 346,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:

  • Army: 200,000
  • Navy: 51,000
  • Air Force: 27,000

The Sri Lanka Police Service has around 85,000 personnel, and the Civil Security Department has an additional 30,000 members.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Sri Lanka’s military equipment includes main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery, and small arms, mostly of Chinese, Russian, and Israeli origin. The air force operates fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters from various sources.

Sri Lanka is currently upgrading its military hardware, with plans to acquire new combat aircraft, maritime patrol vessels, and air defense systems in the coming years.

Military Service Age and Obligation

The minimum age for voluntary military service in Sri Lanka is 18 years. There is no mandatory military service, but the government can call for conscription in times of national emergency.

The Sri Lankan military also has special recruitment programs for women and university graduates.

Military Deployments

Sri Lanka has a contingent of around 900 personnel deployed as part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

Additionally, Sri Lankan military personnel are engaged in various UN peacekeeping missions in countries like Lebanon, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

Strategic Military Notes

Sri Lanka’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining territorial integrity, countering terrorism, and ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

The Sri Lankan military plays an active role in international security and peacekeeping operations, and cooperates closely with regional partners like India, Pakistan, and other South Asian nations. Sri Lanka is also a member of the Colombo Security Conclave, a regional maritime security partnership.

  • Armed Forces Size: 346000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 53.90%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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