Sri Lanka
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.55%
Sri Lanka is a Southern Asia country of around 21.9 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 65,610 km², translating to a density of 334 people per km². Its capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, and official languages include Sinhala and Tamil, while the Sri Lankan rupee serves as the national currency.
Population
21,916,000
Area
65,610 km²
Density
334/km²
World Rank
#61
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. The gap between the birth rate (11.2 per thousand) and death rate (8.2 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 22% of residents under 15 and 12.1% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Southern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Sinhala, Tamil
- Currencies
- Sri Lankan rupee (Rs රු)
- Calling Code
- +94
- Top-Level Domain
- .lk, .இலங்கை, .ලංකා
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+05:30
Population Details
- Total Population
- 21,916,000
- Land Area
- 65,610 km²
- Population Density
- 334 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.55%
- Annual Growth
- -120,538 people
- Daily Growth
- -330 people
- World Population Share
- 0.27%
- Coordinates
- 7.00°, 81.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $4.5k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 4%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 37.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
77.5 years
GDP per Capita
$4,516
Birth Rate
11.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
8.2 per 1,000
Urban Population
20.3%
Fertility Rate
1.97 births/woman
Infant Mortality
5.3 per 1,000
Unemployment
4.0%
Literacy Rate
92.7%
Internet Users
51.2%
Under 15
22.0%
Over 65
12.1%
Health Spending
3.7% GDP
Gini Index
37.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
4.8M
15-64 years
14.4M
65+ years
2.7M
Urbanization
Only 20.3% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 30724.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
4.4M
20.3%
17.5M
79.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 77.5 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 5.3 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 92.7% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has 11 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Sri Lanka's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. As a United Nations member state, Sri Lanka participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 21,916,000 |
| 2030 | 21,459,784 |
| 2035 | 20,946,453 |
| 2040 | 20,486,508 |
| 2045 | 20,071,241 |
| 2050 | 19,693,520 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Sri Lanka.
Largest Cities in Sri Lanka
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Sri Lanka by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sri Lanka?
The population of Sri Lanka is approximately 21.9 million as of 2026, making it #61 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Sri Lanka?
The capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?
The main languages spoken in Sri Lanka are Sinhala, Tamil.
How big is Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka covers an area of 65,610 km² with a population density of 334 people per km².
Is Sri Lanka growing or shrinking?
Sri Lanka's population is declining at a rate of -0.55% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Sri Lanka?
The average life expectancy in Sri Lanka is 77.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Sri Lanka?
The GDP per capita of Sri Lanka is $4,516.