Sri Lanka is a small but diversified country with a lot of attractiveness; from pristine beaches and incredible wildlife to famous tea and ancient ruins to historical structures, this naturally rich island has something for everyone. Even better, distances are minimal, making it easier to discover a lot in a short period of time.


The country is economical, has exquisite cuisine, and intriguing history. Its people have faced conflict, calamity, and all the problems that come with being a thriving South Asian country. Despite the instability, Sri Lanka and its people are making rapid progress.

Here are some interesting and unique facts you might not know about Srilanka.

1. Sri Lanka is known as both the "jewel of the Indian Ocean" and the "teardrop of India." The country's first nickname comes from its natural beauty, immense biodiversity, and rich gemstones exported from the country. The country's second nickname is derived from its geographical position and shape. Sri Lanka is almost shaped like a teardrop and is located off the southern coast of India, hence the appellation "India's Teardrop".

2. Sri Lanka has an extremely high literacy rate, with over 92% of the population being literate, placing the country at the top of the South Asian literacy rankings.

3. Sri Lanka is home to the oldest live tree known to have been planted by man.

4. Sri Lanka had the world's first female prime minister. Sirimavo Bandaranaike became Sri Lanka's sixth Prime Minister and the world's first female Prime Minister in 1960.

5. Adam's Peak is the country's most sacred mountain. It is 2,243m (797ft) tall and has religious importance in several major religions due to a strange dip at its summit known as the Sri Pada or Sacred Footprint.

6. Sri Lanka is the fourth-largest tea producer and third-largest exporter in the world. Ceylon produces three types of tea: Ceylon black, Ceylon green, and Ceylon white.

7. Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a massive column of rock towering 200m (660ft) from the forested plains below, is located in Sri Lanka.

8. Volleyball is the national sport of Sri Lanka.

9. Sri Lanka's flag, popularly known as the Lion Flag, is one of the world's oldest, going back to 162 BC.

10. A sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, brought from India in the fourth century CE, is still kept in Kandy's Temple of the Tooth. Every summer, a magnificent ceremony called Esala Perahera (Festival of the Tooth) is held to celebrate the tooth.

11. Apart from being a major tea producer, Sri Lanka is well-known for its cinnamon, which is an essential component in many of the country's delectable dishes. Sri Lanka is undoubtedly the world's biggest exporter of cinnamon.

12. Sri Lanka has a land area of 25,332 square kilometers, which is slightly larger than the US state of West Virginia. Its wildlife, on the other hand, is extremely diversified. It is home to 123 mammal species (including elephants, leopards, and crocodiles), 227 bird species, 178 reptile species, 122 amphibian species, and many more animal species.

13. The major portion (more than 50% in 2014) of the country's electricity is generated by hydropower, thanks to the country's waterfalls and rivers.