Sri Lanka Geography: Location, Area, Borders & Climate

Sri Lanka is a country in South Asia, Asia, covering a total area of 65,610 km². It has a coastline of 1,340 km along the South Asia coast. It is an island nation with no land borders.

📐 Geographic Statistics

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Continent
Asia
geographical continent
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Region
South Asia
sub-region
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Total Area
65,610 km²
land coverage
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Pop. Density
338/km²
people per km²
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Coastline
1,340 km
total shore length
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Timezone
UTC+5:30
UTC offset
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Independence
1948
year established
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Climate
Tropical, two monsoon seasons
general type

Where is Sri Lanka Located?

Sri Lanka is situated in South Asia, within the broader continent of Asia. The country has a coastline of 1,340 km, providing access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism. This geographic feature has been central to Sri Lanka's historical development and economic activity. The capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, serves as the country's administrative and economic centre. Within the South Asia region, Sri Lanka sits alongside countries including Afghanistan, India, Pakistan.

Size and Area of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka covers a total area of 65,610 km², making it one of the smaller nations in the world. With a population of 22.2M across this territory, the population density works out at 338/km²: one of the more densely settled nations, with people concentrated in urban centres.

Climate of Sri Lanka

The climate of Sri Lanka is tropical, two monsoon seasons. The most favourable time to visit is December–March (west/south), May–September (east), when conditions are most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Climate can vary considerably across different parts of the country; coastal areas, highlands and inland plains often experience quite different conditions. Travellers should research the specific region they plan to visit to plan appropriate clothing and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sri Lanka's Geography

Where is Sri Lanka located?

Sri Lanka is located in South Asia, Asia. The capital city is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

How large is Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has a total area of 65,610 km² with a population density of 338/km².

What countries border Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is an island nation and has no land borders.

Does Sri Lanka have a coastline?

Yes, Sri Lanka has a coastline of 1,340 km.

What is the climate of Sri Lanka?

The climate of Sri Lanka is Tropical, two monsoon seasons. The best time to visit is December–March (west/south), May–September (east).

What timezone is Sri Lanka in?

Sri Lanka observes UTC+5:30 timezone.

What continent is Sri Lanka in?

Sri Lanka is in Asia, specifically in the South Asia region.

When did Sri Lanka become independent?

Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948.

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