Sri Lanka is a country in South Asia, Asia with a rich history, unique culture and some remarkable records. Here are the most interesting facts about Sri Lanka that most people don't know.
Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon until 1972, and its tea — still often called Ceylon tea — is among the world's finest. The island is also the world's original source of cinnamon, and ancient texts describe it as the legendary island of Lanka from the Ramayana.
Sri Lanka is one of the world's top tea producers — Ceylon tea is world-famous.
Sri Lanka has one of the oldest written histories in Asia — over 2,500 years.
The blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, can be seen off Sri Lanka's coast.
Sri Lanka has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a country smaller than Ireland.
Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon until 1972, and its tea — still often called Ceylon tea — is among the world's finest. The island is also the world's original source of cinnamon, and ancient texts describe it as the legendary island of Lanka from the Ramayana.
Sri Lanka is known for several remarkable places that attract visitors and define the country's identity:
A UNESCO 5th-century palace and fortress built atop a 180m volcanic rock plug
A UNESCO temple housing the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha — Sri Lanka's holiest site
A UNESCO medieval city with perfectly preserved royal palaces and massive Buddha statues
The world's highest density of leopards per square kilometre, plus elephants and crocodiles
Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon until 1972, and its tea — still often called Ceylon tea — is among the world's finest. The island is also the world's original source of cinnamon, and ancient texts describe it as the legendary island of Lanka from the Ramayana.
The capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Sri Lanka has a population of approximately 22.2M.
The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala / Tamil.
Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948.
Sri Lanka uses the Rupee (LKR).