Sri Lanka is a tropical island country located in South Asia, just off the southeastern coast of India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, historic temples and palaces as well as its biodiverse wildlife. Around 123 mammal species live there, including 21 endemic species.
Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka has a history stretching back at least 33,000 years. On February 4th 1948, Ceylon gained independence from colonialism and became the first democratic republic in Asia. In 1972, the country became a republic and was renamed Sri Lanka, meaning 'Resplendent Island.'
The current population of 22 million incorporates diverse cultures and languages that reflect the layered history. The metropolitan area of Colombo, the largest city, is home to around 25 percent of the island’s population.
With unspoiled beaches, incredible wildlife, and millennia of history, it is easy to see why Sri Lanka welcomed a record 2.5 million tourist arrivals in 2018.