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INTRODUCTION OF SRI LANKA |
Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, island
republic in the Indian Ocean, off the Southeastern coast of
India, a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Sri Lanka is
separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. Sri
Lanka is somewhat pear-shaped, with its apex in the North. The
greatest length from North to South is about 440 km (about 273
mi); the greatest width is about 220 km
Sri Lanka's coast, particularly the West, South, and Southeast,
is palm-fringed and indented by lagoons and inlets. The more
rugged Northeastern coast contains Trincomalee Harbor,
considered one of the best natural harbors in the world.
The natural resources of Sri Lanka are chiefly agricultural, but
most of the land is not easily cultivated. Sri Lanka's economy
is predominantly based on agriculture. The chief exports are tea
and rubber, followed by coconut products, clothing, graphite,
and precious and semiprecious stones. Foodstuffs, mainly rice,
flour, and sugar, make up a significant share of imports
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GEOGRAPHY |
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Location : |
Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India
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Geographic Coordinates : |
7 00 N, 81 00 E |
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Map references : |
Asia |
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Total: 65,610 sq km |
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Area : |
Water: 870 sq km |
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Land: 64,740 sq km |
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Land boundaries : |
0Km |
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Coastal line: |
1,340 km |
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Climate : |
Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March);
southwest monsoon (June to October) |
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Natural resources : |
Limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay,
hydropower |
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PEOPLE |
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Population
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19,576,783 |
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Population
growth rate: |
0.85% (2002 est.) |
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Nationality: |
Noun: Sri Lankan(s) Adjective: Sri Lankan |
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Religions: |
Buddhist 70%, Hindu 15%, Christian 8%, Muslim 7% (1999)
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Languages: |
Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national
language) 18%, other 8%
note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken
competently by about 10% of the population |
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Literacy:
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Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
Total population: 90.2%
Male: 93.4%
Female: 87.2% (1995 est.) |
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GOVERNMENT |
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Country
name: |
Conventional long form: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri
Lanka Conventional short form: Sri Lanka
Fomer: Serendib, Ceylon |
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Capital:
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Colombo;
Note - Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the legislative capital |
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Independence:
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4 February 1948 (from UK) |
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National
holiday: |
Independence Day, 4 February (1948) |
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SRI
LANKA MAP |
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SUMMARY |
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Name: |
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka |
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Area: |
65,610 sq km |
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Costal Line: |
1,340 km |
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Capital: |
Colombo |
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Currency: |
Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) |
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