Sri Lanka lies practically in the center of the Indian Ocean and thus has climatic and cultural links with three continents. Monsoon winds, driving against Sri Lanka's peaks, support lush vegetation on the southern half of the island, but the northern half is a dry zone. The winds affect human culture as well, having brought wave after wave of immigrants and merchants following the southerly trade routes. Outsiders found a wide range of ecological niches on the coast, on the plains, or in the mountains, and they built a remarkably variegated civilization. Merchants long have sought Sri Lanka as the source of pearls, jewels, spices, and tea. Visitors for centuries have marveled at the beauty and great diversity of the island.
The South Asian landmass to the north has strongly influenced Sri Lankan culture in the past and continues to do so. From an outlander's perspective, some of the main aspects of Sri Lankan society--language, caste, family structure--are regional variants of Indian civilization. From the perspective of the islander, however, the Indian influence is but the largest part of a continuing barrage of stimuli coming to Sri Lanka from all sides. The people of the island have absorbed these influences and built their own civilization.
Location: Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India
Geographic coordinates: 7 00 N, 81 00 E
Area: 65,610 sq km
Land Area: 64,740 sq km
Water Area: 870 sq km
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 1,340 km
Climate: Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)
Terrain: Mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior
Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Highest Point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m
Natural Resources: Limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower
Land Use: Arable land: 13.96%
Irrigated land: 7,430 sq km (2003)
Total renewable water resources: 50 cu km (1999)
Natural Hazards: Occasional cyclones and tornadoes
Environmental Issues: Deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal and air pollution
Last Updated on: 17-05-2010
