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This tropical
island off the southeast tip of India is known as the
“Teardrop of India.” Ethnic and religious strife between the
majority Sinhalese, who are mostly Buddhist, And the
minority Tamil, who are mostly Hindu, has often erupted in
violence and bloodshed. Rebel groups have made repeated
calls for a separate Tamil state, and political
assassinations are relatively common. Despite the violence,
Sri Lanka is also known as a deeply spiritual and beautiful
place, rich in exotic flora and fauna.
The island of Sri Lanka is situated only 22 miles from
mainland India. The climate is tropical along the coastal
plain and temperate in the central highlands. Annual
rainfall averages only 39 in. in the north and east while
the south and west receive over 79 in. Natural resources are
limited but the rich agricultural land produces tea, rubber
and coconuts. Gemstones (sapphire, ruby, beryl, topaz),
graphite and salt are mined. The main industries are food
processing, textiles, chemicals, tea, and rubber.
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Languages |
Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil
(national language) 18% |
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Major Religions |
Buddhist 68%, Hindu 15%, Muslim 7.6%, Christian 8% (i.e.,Catholic
& traditional 6.5%, Evangelical 1%) |
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Ethnic groups |
Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7%, Burgher, Malay, and Vedda
1% |
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|
Growth Rate |
1.12% |
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Birth rate |
18.4 births/1,000 |
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Death rate |
5.96 deaths/1,000 |
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Fertility rate |
2.12 children/woman |
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Male life expectancy |
69 |
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Female life expectancy |
75 |
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Infant mortality rate |
16.33 deaths/1,000 live births |
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Suicide Rate |
Over 20 per day. Highest in the world due to hopelessness
caused by civil strife (6/2001). |
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Size |
25,325 sq. mi.
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Population |
18.9
million |
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Government |
Republic |
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Leader |
President Mahinda Rajapaksa |
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