Rank #176 by World Population
🇱🇰Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a population of 22,037,000, ranking #176 in the world. The capital is Colombo. Located in South Asia.
World Bank: Lower middle income
22,037,000
Population
#176
World Rank
77.5
Life Expectancy
$3,799
GDP Per Capita
Sri Lanka, #176 by world population
Sri Lanka Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Sri Lanka had a population of 9,661,389 in 1960 and 21,916,000 in 2024, a 2.3× growth over 64 years. The peak was 22,181,000 in 2022. Average annual growth rate: 1.29%.
21,916,000
Population (2024)
9,661,389
Population (1960)
22,181,000
Peak (2022)
1.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 9,661,389 |
| 1961 | 9,899,372 |
| 1962 | 10,143,754 |
| 1963 | 10,395,040 |
| 1964 | 10,653,397 |
| 1965 | 10,916,965 |
| 1966 | 11,183,928 |
| 1967 | 11,457,328 |
| 1968 | 11,736,088 |
| 1969 | 12,013,858 |
| 1970 | 12,287,110 |
| 1971 | 12,551,910 |
| 1972 | 12,809,205 |
| 1973 | 13,060,916 |
| 1974 | 13,305,693 |
| 1975 | 13,548,984 |
| 1976 | 13,796,770 |
| 1977 | 14,049,371 |
| 1978 | 14,310,128 |
| 1979 | 14,579,614 |
| 1980 | 14,847,974 |
| 1981 | 15,099,414 |
| 1982 | 15,286,567 |
| 1983 | 15,388,794 |
| 1984 | 15,441,860 |
| 1985 | 15,544,154 |
| 1986 | 15,731,256 |
| 1987 | 15,916,576 |
| 1988 | 16,078,621 |
| 1989 | 16,248,557 |
| 1990 | 16,352,458 |
| 1991 | 16,475,354 |
| 1992 | 16,739,284 |
| 1993 | 17,025,918 |
| 1994 | 17,275,773 |
| 1995 | 17,564,068 |
| 1996 | 17,905,018 |
| 1997 | 18,248,200 |
| 1998 | 18,596,003 |
| 1999 | 18,944,731 |
| 2000 | 19,293,054 |
| 2001 | 19,600,362 |
| 2002 | 19,805,752 |
| 2003 | 19,951,521 |
| 2004 | 20,087,605 |
| 2005 | 20,216,524 |
| 2006 | 20,352,411 |
| 2007 | 20,492,545 |
| 2008 | 20,629,378 |
| 2009 | 20,756,435 |
| 2010 | 20,879,089 |
| 2011 | 21,009,048 |
| 2012 | 21,169,458 |
| 2013 | 20,585,000 |
| 2014 | 20,778,000 |
| 2015 | 20,970,000 |
| 2016 | 21,209,000 |
| 2017 | 21,453,000 |
| 2018 | 21,670,000 |
| 2019 | 21,803,000 |
| 2020 | 21,919,000 |
| 2021 | 22,156,000 |
| 2022 | 22,181,000 |
| 2023 | 22,037,000 |
| 2024 | 21,916,000 |
Demographics
| Population | 22,037,000 |
| Population Growth Rate | -0.65% |
| Urban Population | 20.1% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.97 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 77.5 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 5.3 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | 92.7% |
Economy & Trade
$3,799
GDP Per Capita
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
Lower middle income
Income Level
37.7
Gini Index (inequality)
43.5%
Trade (% of GDP)
540,000
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
3.7%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
1.14
Physicians per 1,000
1.8%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
92.7%
Literacy Rate
5.3
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
48.3%
Internet Users
136
Mobile Subs per 100
356.2
People per km2
-28,011
Net Migration
Environment
34.0%
Forest Area
Sri Lanka Climate
Sri Lanka has an average annual temperature of 27.7°C (82°F) and receives about 2445 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is April and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
27.7°C
Avg Temp
2445
Precip (mm/yr)
Apr
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27° / 81° | 67 mm |
| February | 27° / 81° | 78 mm |
| March | 28° / 83° | 144 mm |
| April | 29° / 83° | 263 mm |
| May | 29° / 83° | 361 mm |
| June | 28° / 82° | 210 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 136 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 104 mm |
| September | 28° / 82° | 202 mm |
| October | 27° / 81° | 385 mm |
| November | 27° / 81° | 336 mm |
| December | 27° / 80° | 159 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
The most comfortable months to visit Sri Lanka are typically January, February and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is April (around 32°C high). The coldest is December (near 23°C low). October is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in South Asia
Compare Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka in global context
Sri Lanka is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka has a population of 22,037,000, ranking #176 in the world. The annual population growth rate is -0.65%.
Life expectancy in Sri Lanka is 77.5 years. The infant mortality rate is 5.3 per 1,000 live births.
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is $3,799. It is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank.
20.1% of Sri Lanka's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 356.2 people per square kilometer.
The adult literacy rate in Sri Lanka is 92.7%. The country spends 1.8% of GDP on education.
The most comfortable months to visit Sri Lanka are typically January, February and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Sri Lanka has an average annual temperature of 27.7°C and about 2445 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically April and the coldest is December.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
Sri Lanka is a country in South Asia with a population of 22,037,000. Its population is shrinking, by roughly -0.7% a year.
GDP per capita is roughly $3,799, placing Sri Lanka among lower-income economies. Life expectancy is high at 77.5 years, with a fertility rate of 2.0 births per woman, and 20.1% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.