Country Fact

Traffic & Driving

Transport

Currency & Money matters

Population

Economy

Culture & Religion

Nature

Food & Bevarage

Traffic & Driving

Road Conditions Urban Traffic Major cities like Colombo and Kandy can experience heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Be prepared for delays and a bustling atmosphere. Narrow Roads Many rural and suburban roads are narrow, making it essential to drive cautiously and be aware of oncoming vehicles. Unpaved and Rough Roads Some areas may have unpaved or poorly under-maintained roads, which can be bumpy and challenging to navigate. Exercise caution when driving

Economy

Sri Lanka’s economy is a mixed economy that has undergone significant transformation over the past few decades. The country is classified as a developing nation with a growing emphasis on services, agriculture, and manufacturing. Key Sectors Agriculture Importance Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population. Major Crops Key agricultural products include tea, rubber, coconut, rice, and spices. Sri La

Transport

Sri Lanka offers a variety of transportation options, making it relatively easy to navigate the island. From public transport to private vehicles, it is easy to choose the best method that suits your needs and budget. Public Transportation Buses Extensive Network The bus system is extensive and covers most areas of the country. Buses are an affordable way to travel between cities and towns. Types of Buses There are standard buses for local travel and luxury coaches for longer

Food & Beverage

Sri Lankan cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavors, influenced by its diverse cultures, history, and geography. Meals are typically aromatic and spicy, featuring a variety of ingredients like rice, lentils, vegetables, and an array of spices. Popular Dishes Rice and Curry A staple dish that includes steamed rice served with several curries, such as dahl (lentils), vegetable curries, and meat or fish options. Kottu Roti A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) s

Wildlife

Monkeys The most common species are the toque macaque and the purple-faced langur. Where to Spot Them: Frequently seen in urban areas, parks, and near temples. They can be quite curious and may approach people, especially if food is present. Stray Dogs You may encounter stray dogs, which are generally friendly but should be treated with caution. Local Dogs Many locals have pet dogs that might be seen on the streets. Stray Cats Like dogs, there are many stray cats in urb

Nature

Tropical Rainforests Location Primarily found in the southwestern region, particularly in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Characteristics Dense, lush vegetation with high humidity and rainfall. Home to a variety of endemic species, including birds, reptiles, and insects. Biodiversity Known for its rich biodiversity, including rare flora such as giant trees and numerous medicinal plants. Dry Zone Forests Location Spread across the northern and eas

Population

Total Population: Approximately 22 million people (as of 2023). Population Density: About 340 people per square kilometer, making Sri Lanka one of the most densely populated countries in Asia. Demographics Age Distribution: A significant portion of the population is young, with a median age of around 32 years. Urbanization: Approximately 18% of the population lives in urban areas, with Colombo being the largest city and economic center. Ethnic Groups Sinhalese: About 75%

Culture & Religion

Festivals Vesak Celebrated in May, it commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It's marked by lantern displays, processions, and religious observances. Pongal A Tamil harvest festival celebrated in January, featuring traditional food, music, and dance. Ramadan Observed by Muslims with fasting and special prayers, culminating in the festival of Eid al-Fitr. Traditional Arts Sri Lanka is known for its intricate handicrafts, including wood carving, batik, and

Currency & Money matters

Official Currency The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Notes and Coins The currency is available in denominations of notes (20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 LKR) and coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 LKR). Currency Exchange Exchanging Money Currency can be exchanged at banks, authorized exchange bureaus, and hotels. Airports also offer exchange services, but rates may be less favorable. ATMs ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Most accept

Wildlife

Capital: Colombo

Population: 22 million

Area: 65,610 km2

Time Zone: UTC+5:30

Climate: Tropical

Languages: Sinhala, Tamil & English

Airport: CMB

Bandaranayake International Airport

Currency: Rupees, LRK

Sri Lankas tropical climate

Sri Lanka's climate is generally tropical, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F) throughout the year. You should be prepared for varying weather conditions depending on the region and time of year, especially during monsoon seasons. Remember when visiting the highland that its cooler climate.

Sri Lanka, with its tropical location, experiences a climate influenced by two main monsoons – the southwest and the northeast. This means that the weather varies depending on which part of the island you're visiting and at what time of year.

Sri Lanka is affected by two main monsoons: the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon. These monsoons play a crucial role in shaping the country's climate and rainfall patterns, significantly impacting agriculture, water resources, and local weather conditions.

The southwest monsoon occurs from May to September and brings heavy rainfall to the southwestern part of Sri Lanka, including cities like Colombo, Galle, and Matara. During this monsoon, winds blow from the Indian Ocean, causing intense rain in the western, southwestern, and central regions of the island, particularly in higher elevation areas such as the central hill country.

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Inter-monsoon periods that occur between the two main monsoons, typically in April and October, bringing short but intense rain showers. The monsoons greatly influence Sri Lanka's climate, creating diverse weather patterns across the island, from tropical rainforests on the west coast to drier conditions on the east coast. Agriculture, especially rice cultivation, is highly dependent on these monsoons for regular rainfall.

The northeast monsoon which lasts from October to January, primarily affects the northeastern part of the island, including cities like Trincomalee and Jaffna. Winds from the northeast bring rainfall to the eastern and northeastern regions, although the rainfall tends to be less intense than that of the southwest monsoon. However, it is still an important period for agriculture and vegetation in these areas.

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