Population and Demographics

Sri Lanka is the 52nd most populated nation in the world, with an annual population growth rate of 0.98%. Sri Lanka has a birth rate of 17 births per 1,000 people and a death rate of 6 deaths per 1,000 people.

Population density is the greatest in western Sri Lanka, especially in and around Colombo. There is a small population on the island of the Wanniyala-Aetto people, also known as Veddahs. These are believed to be the oldest and indigenous ethnic group to inhabit the island. The Sinhalese people form the largest ethnic group in the nation, composing approximately 74% of the total population. The Indian Tamil people form 4% of the population and are concentrated in the North, East, Central and Western provinces of the country. The Indian Tamils who were brought as indentured labourers from India by British colonists to work on estate plantations, are known as 'Indian Origin' Tamils, and are distinguished from the native Tamil population that has resided in Sri Lanka since ancient times. There is a significant population of Moors, who trace their lineage to Arab traders and immigrants from the Middle East. Their presence is concentrated in the eastern provinces. There are also small ethnic groups such as the Burghers (of mixed European descent) and Malay people.

Sinhalese and Tamil are the two official languages of Sri Lanka, and are spoken by 92% of the country. English is commonly used in government, education, scientific and commercial purposes and is spoken competently by about 10% of the population. Members of the Burgher community speak variant forms of Portuguese Creole and Dutch with varying proficiency.

Sri Lanka also enjoys significant religious diversity. Approximately 69% of Sri Lankan peoples are adherents of Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is the predominant school, with distinctive sects such as Ramanna Nikaya, Amarapura Nikaya and Siam Nikaya being widely followed. Buddhism in Sri Lanka has been deeply influenced by indigenous faiths and traditions, as well as the influences of prevailing Buddhist schools in South East Asia. Hinduism is practiced by 7% of the population, mainly from the Tamil community. Christianity is practiced by 6% of the population, especially by the Portuguese and Dutch Burgher people. While most Sri Lankan Christians are Catholics, there are also significant numbers who adhere to Dutch Reformed Church and the Anglican Communion. Islam is practiced by 7% of the population and is almost entirely comprised of Moors and Malays.

Facts and Figures

• Population: 20,926,315
• Age Structure:
  • 0-14 years: 24.3% (male 2,596,295/female 2,495,949)
  • 15-64 years: 67.9% (male 6,947,310/female 7,259,271)
  • 65 years and over: 7.8% (male 765,507/female 861,983)
• Median Age:
  • Total: 30 years
  • Male: 29.2 years
  • Female: 31 years
• Population Growth Rate: 0.982%
• Birth Rate: 17 births/1,000 population
• Death Rate: 6.01 deaths/1,000 population
• Net Migration Rate: -1.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population
• Sex Ratio:
  • At birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  • Under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  • 15-64 years: 0.957 male(s)/female
  • 65 years and over: 0.888 male(s)/female
  • Total population: 0.971 male(s)/female
• Infant Mortality Rate:
  • Total: 19.45 deaths/1,000 live births
  • Male: 21.2 deaths/1,000 live births
  • Female: 17.63 deaths/1,000 live births
• Life Expectancy at Birth:
  • Total population: 74.8 years
  • Male: 72.81 years
  • Female: 76.88 years
• Total Fertility Rate: 2.05 children born/woman
• HIV/AIDS:
  • Adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1%
  • People living with HIV/AIDS: 3,500
• Ethnic Groups:
  • Sinhalese 73.8%
  • Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%
  • Indian Tamil 4.6%
  • Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%
  • Other 0.5%
  • Unspecified 10%
• Religions:
  • Buddhist 69.1%
  • Muslim 7.6%
  • Hindu 7.1%
  • Christian 6.2%
  • Unspecified 10%
• Languages:
  • Sinhala (official and national language) 74%
  • Tamil (national language) 18%
  • Other 8%
  • English is commonly used in government and is spoken competently by about 10% of the population
• Literacy:
  • Total population: 90.7%
  • Male: 92.3%
  • Female: 89.1%