Photo: Løken · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka places highest on Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Labour Income Share (bottom 3%).
Sri Lanka in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
22,971,617
people
since 1950
Land area
61,860
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
14,583
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
77.48
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.776
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
4.005
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Sri Lanka
Key facts about Sri Lanka
- Capitals
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo
- Official languages
- Sinhala, Tamil
- Currency
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
- ISO code
- LKA · LK
- Domain · dialling
- .lk · +94
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Sri Lanka’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
53rdof 200
From 4 of 4 key statistics
71stof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint71stof 175
From 3 of 4 key statistics
62ndof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
82ndof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
87thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
88thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint89thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
87thof 181
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint86thof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint88thof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
80thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
102ndof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
121stof 171
From 2 of 4 key statistics
151stof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
160thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Sri Lanka’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Sri Lanka in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Sri Lanka stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Sri Lanka sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Sri Lanka does best6
In the top third of all countries measured. 3 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 2nd
Position · derived 2nd of 136 · 80.93 · 2024
world median 40.74 (better)
- 8th
Position · derived 83rd of 90 · 1 = worst · 50.8 · 2025
world median 75.8 (better)
Not ranked by the publisher · 0.858 · 2024
world median 2.738 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2014
Not ranked by the publisher · 0.61 · 2023
world median 2.005 (better)
Where Sri Lanka struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 1 is within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 7thLabour Income Sharebottom 3%
Position · derived 176th of 182 · 28.15 · 2025
world median 46.23 (worse) · ▼ 9 pts since 2015
- Government Spending on Educationbottom 9%
Position · derived 112th of 123 · 1.828 · 2023
world median 3.709 (worse) · ▲ 6 pts since 2013
- Mobile Phone Ownershipbottom 9%
Position · derived 127th of 140 · 76.63 · 2024
world median 91.68 (worse)
- Social Institutions and Gender Indexbottom 10%
Position · derived 15th of 140 · 1 = worst · 53.4 · 2023
world median 25.2 (worse)
- Water Stressbottom 10%
Position · derived 19th of 177 · 1 = worst · 90.79 · 2023
world median 10 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Sri Lanka can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
71st
of 141 · 1990
89th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
78th
of 173 · 2012
107th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
42nd
of 79 · 1990
93rd
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
85th
of 132 · 2022
93rd
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
114th
of 140 · 1995
83rd
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
90th
of 172 · 2020
80th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Sri Lanka has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Livestock Production Index+64 pts since 2012
- Government Censorship of the Media+57 pts since 2015
- Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index+42 pts since 2015
Losing ground
Where Sri Lanka has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Open Data Inventory-51 pts since 2015
- Crop Production Index-42 pts since 2012
- Food Production Index-39 pts since 2012
05In context
Sri Lanka and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Sri Lanka has no land border with another country.
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Southern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
- 44
Bhutan - 79
Maldives - 86Sri Lanka
- =88
India - =100
Nepal - =132
Bangladesh - =145
Iran - 149
Pakistan - 172
Afghanistan
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Sri Lanka
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions29
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 31%0.505CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 31% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Sri Lanka 0.505 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▼ -32 percentile points since 2013
Civic Space Ratings117th of 198position · derived40.29Civic space score (0–100)2025
bottom 41% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Sri Lanka 40.29 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)126th of 192rank0.346ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
bottom 35% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Sri Lanka 0.346 · world median 0.387 (worse)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 45%98.9Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
top 45% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Sri Lanka 98.9 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption116th of 211position · derived-0.283Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 45% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Sri Lanka -0.283 · world median -0.197 (worse)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index107th of 181rank35CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
bottom 41% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Sri Lanka 35 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment30th of 78position · derived3.308IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
top 39% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Sri Lanka 3.308 · world median 3.246 (better)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt25th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst23.71Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
bottom 22% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Sri Lanka 23.71 · world median 12.93 (worse)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)36th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst58.89External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
bottom 32% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Sri Lanka 58.89 · world median 43.94 (worse)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
General Government Consumption126th of 132position · derived6.743General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 5% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 6.743 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
No real change since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index80th of 195rank45.6AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 41% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Sri Lanka 45.6 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness121st of 209position · derived-0.129Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
bottom 42% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Sri Lanka -0.129 · world median 0.101 (worse)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Government Spending on Education112th of 123position · derived1.828Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
bottom 9% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 1.828 · world median 3.709 (worse)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
GovTech Maturity Index94th of 196position · derived0.657GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 48% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.657 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index28th of 175position · derived0.912Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 15% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.912 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index44th of 176position · derived0.613Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 25% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.613 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory115th of 168rank49ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 31% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Sri Lanka 49 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -51 percentile points since 2015
Political Corruption Index123rd of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.278Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 30% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Sri Lanka 0.278 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment81st of 135position · derived11.89Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
bottom 40% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Sri Lanka 11.89 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill148th of 168position · derived4.01Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
bottom 12% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 4.01 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
No real change since 2012
Regulatory Quality123rd of 209position · derived-0.304Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 41% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Sri Lanka -0.304 · world median -0.093 (worse)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Rule of Law116th of 211position · derived-0.207Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 45% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Sri Lanka -0.207 · world median -0.102 (worse)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators79th of 188position · derived74.58SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 42% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Sri Lanka 74.58 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density102nd of 139position · derived10.1Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
bottom 27% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Sri Lanka 10.1 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index33rd of 176position · derived0.783Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 19% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.783 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +28 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability102nd of 206position · derived0.008Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 49% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Sri Lanka 0.008 · world median -0.022 (better)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Women, Business and the Law149th of 190position · derived65.63WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
bottom 21% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Sri Lanka 65.63 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation29
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution56th of 139position · derived81.69Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 40% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Sri Lanka 81.69 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2014
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)68th of 158position · derived8.362Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 43% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 8.362 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Container Port Traffic28th of 103position · derived7,782,776Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 26% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Sri Lanka 7,782,776 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index150th of 195position · derived95.73Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 23% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Sri Lanka 95.73 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports90th of 170position · derived23.73Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 47% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Sri Lanka 23.73 · world median 25.42 (worse)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index83rd of 145rank-0.045ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
bottom 43% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Sri Lanka -0.045 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)115th of 138position · derived18.97Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 17% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 18.97 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit86th of 179position · derived37.72Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 48% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Sri Lanka 37.72 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index146th of 195position · derived99.24Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 25% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Sri Lanka 99.24 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -39 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowsbottom 30%1.008FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
bottom 30% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 1.008 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
GDP Growth48th of 186position · derived4.953GDP growth (annual %)2025
top 25% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Sri Lanka 4.953 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)104th of 185position · derived14,583GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 44% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Sri Lanka 14,583 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Global Innovation Index93rd of 139rank22.91GII score (0–100)2025
bottom 33% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Sri Lanka 22.91 · world median 28.52 (worse)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)51st of 102position · derived14,291GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 50% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Sri Lanka 14,291 · world median 14,273 (better)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)23rd of 131position · derived29.65Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
top 17% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 29.65 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)44th of 146position · derived27.6Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
top 30% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 27.6 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2015
Household Consumption50th of 131position · derived67.49Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 38% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 67.49 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
ICT Goods Exports83rd of 119position · derived0.26ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
bottom 31% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Sri Lanka 0.26 · world median 0.975 (worse)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2014
ICT Services Exports30th of 118position · derived14.06ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 25% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
Sri Lanka 14.06 · world median 7.474 (better)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)114th of 138position · derived22.84Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 18% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 22.84 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)67th of 158position · derived25.44Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
top 42% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 25.44 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index19th of 175rank272.81LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 11% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Sri Lanka 272.81 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
Livestock Production Index38th of 194position · derived125.14Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 19% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Sri Lanka 125.14 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +64 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index73rd of 139rank2.8LPI score (1–5)2023
bottom 46% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Sri Lanka 2.8 · world median 2.9 (worse)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)28th of 132position · derived17.12Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 21% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 17.12 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
No real change since 2015
Researchers per Million Inhabitants114th of 145position · derived94.49Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
bottom 22% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
Sri Lanka 94.49 · world median 701.95 (worse)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)153rd of 180position · derived0.083Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 22% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 0.083 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)116th of 138position · derived41.81Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
bottom 16% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Sri Lanka 41.81 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index59th of 99rank60.4Trilemma score (0–100)2023
bottom 38% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Sri Lanka 60.4 · world median 63.8 (worse)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour19
Average Weekly Hours Worked89th of 182position · derived39.47Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
top 49% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Sri Lanka 39.47 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture69th of 182position · derived25.86Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
top 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Sri Lanka 25.86 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry33rd of 182position · derived26.3Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 18% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Sri Lanka 26.3 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Services135th of 182position · derived47.84Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
bottom 26% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Sri Lanka 47.84 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio154th of 182position · derived46.57Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
bottom 15% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Sri Lanka 46.57 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Fatal Occupational Injuriestop 6%0.61Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers2023
top 6% of 52 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers
Sri Lanka 0.61 · world median 2.005 (better)
Best in the world 0.12 (Belgium)
No real change since 2014
Female Labour Force Participation Rate163rd of 182position · derived30.99Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Sri Lanka 30.99 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management65th of 86position · derived29.18Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)2024
bottom 25% of 86 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)
Sri Lanka 29.18 · world median 35.86 (worse)
Best in the world 56.69 (Nauru)
No real change since 2014
Firms with a Female Top Manager152nd of 179position · derived8.711Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
bottom 15% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Sri Lanka 8.711 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed95th of 168position · derived39,989GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
bottom 44% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Sri Lanka 39,989 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate161st of 182position · derived48.52Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 12% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Sri Lanka 48.52 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked103rd of 182position · derived18.22Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
bottom 44% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Sri Lanka 18.22 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate71st of 182position · derived42.07Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
top 39% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Sri Lanka 42.07 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate115th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst4.005Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 37% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Sri Lanka 4.005 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment65th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst39.24Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Sri Lanka 39.24 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Working Poverty Ratetop 46%2.917Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
top 46% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Sri Lanka 2.917 · world median 4.885 (better)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training37th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst17.23Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
bottom 38% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Sri Lanka 17.23 · world median 14.31 (worse)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▲ +24 percentile points since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate55th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst18.58Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
bottom 30% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Sri Lanka 18.58 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge11
Academic Freedom Index46th of 176position · derived0.828Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 26% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.828 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▲ +31 percentile points since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate95th of 172position · derived92.74Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 45% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Sri Lanka 92.74 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling108th of 195position · derived13.13Expected years of schooling2023
bottom 45% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Sri Lanka 13.13 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Female Share of Researcherstop 21%48.83Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
top 21% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
Sri Lanka 48.83 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores100th of 172position · derived400Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
bottom 42% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Sri Lanka 400 · world median 414.32 (worse)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2017
Learning Poverty85th of 125position · derived · 1 = worst14.8110-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
top 32% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
Sri Lanka 14.81 · world median 34.02 (better)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School75th of 172position · derived8.462Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
top 43% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Sri Lanka 8.462 · world median 7.941 (better)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2017
Mean Years of Schooling77th of 193position · derived10.77Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 40% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Sri Lanka 10.77 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiarytop 26%11.63Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)2023
top 26% of 117 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)
Sri Lanka 11.63 · world median 5.279
Highest 1,724 (Cook Islands)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2013
Upper Secondary Attainment49th of 95position · derived65.24Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
bottom 49% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
Sri Lanka 65.24 · world median 65.76 (worse)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2016
Youth Literacy Ratetop 42%98.8715–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
top 42% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Sri Lanka 98.87 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing18
Dietary Energy Supply107th of 155position · derived2,760Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
bottom 31% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Sri Lanka 2,760 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months2nd of 136position · derived80.93Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
top 1% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Sri Lanka 80.93 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index93rd of 172rank0.367GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
bottom 46% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Sri Lanka 0.367 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index78th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.011MPI (0–1)2025
top 29% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.011 · world median 0.039 (better)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2020
Global Violent Deaths126th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst2.54Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 40% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Sri Lanka 2.54 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index71st of 172position · derived0.598HCI score (0–1)2020
top 41% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.598 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2017
Human Development Index89th of 193rank0.776HDI score (0–1)2023
top 46% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.776 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate150th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst5.166Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 25% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Sri Lanka 5.166 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
INFORM Severity Index38th of 81position · derived · 1 = worst3.2INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
bottom 48% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Sri Lanka 3.2 · world median 3.1 (worse)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2022
Life Expectancy at Age 6595th of 222position · derived17.01Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
top 43% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Sri Lanka 17.01 · world median 16.39 (better)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth77th of 222position · derived77.48Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 34% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Sri Lanka 77.48 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio126th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst18.32Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 36% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Sri Lanka 18.32 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare93rd of 178position · derived1.59Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
bottom 49% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Sri Lanka 1.59 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity113th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst1.1Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 14% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Sri Lanka 1.1 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment64th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst7.4Population undernourished (%)2023
bottom 38% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Sri Lanka 7.4 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five97th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst10.5Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 40% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Sri Lanka 10.5 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate151st of 200position · derived · 1 = worst5.881Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 25% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Sri Lanka 5.881 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children83rd of 90position · derived · 1 = worst50.8Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
top 8% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Sri Lanka 50.8 · world median 75.8 (better)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital8
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Sri Lanka 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▲ +35 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield68th of 179position · derived3,804Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 38% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Sri Lanka 3,804 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Child Marriage97th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst9.8Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
top 33% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Sri Lanka 9.8 · world median 17.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality82nd of 169position · derived · 1 = worst17.54Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
bottom 48% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Sri Lanka 17.54 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2013
Gender Development Index120th of 184position · derived0.951Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 34% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Sri Lanka 0.951 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index80th of 169position · derived0.63IHDI (0–1)2023
top 47% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.63 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Net Official Development Assistance Received91st of 130position · derived1.015Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
bottom 30% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Sri Lanka 1.015 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI27th of 156position · derived0.754PHDI (0–1)2023
top 17% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.754 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
No real change since 2013
Environment & Sustainability22
Agricultural Emissions103rd of 193position · derived8,014Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
bottom 48% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Sri Lanka 8,014 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Agricultural Land66th of 209position · derived48.61Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
top 31% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Sri Lanka 48.61 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Arable Land per Person141st of 206position · derived0.062Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 32% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Sri Lanka 0.062 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity112th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst386.76Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
top 42% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Sri Lanka 386.76 · world median 468.81 (better)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
No real change since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)87th of 190rank0.436ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
top 46% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Sri Lanka 0.436 · world median 0.45 (better)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita158th of 210position · derived · 1 = worst0.901Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
top 25% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Sri Lanka 0.901 · world median 3.21 (better)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
No real change since 2014
Ecological Footprint86th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst1.272Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
top 32% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Sri Lanka 1.272 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)top 3%0.858Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
top 3% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Sri Lanka 0.858 · world median 2.738 (better)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare57th of 188position · derived153.94Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 29% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Sri Lanka 153.94 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area95th of 210position · derived34Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 44% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Sri Lanka 34 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster34th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst84,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 21% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Sri Lanka 84,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2014
Land Under Cereal Production72nd of 179position · derived1,247,195Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 40% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Sri Lanka 1,247,195 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density130th of 188position · derived0.32Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 30% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Sri Lanka 0.32 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation73rd of 190position · derived54.09Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
top 38% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Sri Lanka 54.09 · world median 35.66 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index105th of 190rank45.49ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
bottom 45% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Sri Lanka 45.49 · world median 47.44 (worse)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area46th of 150position · derived3.08Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 29% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Sri Lanka 3.08 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita93rd of 181position · derived2,380Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
bottom 49% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Sri Lanka 2,380 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation62nd of 190position · derived54.09Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
top 32% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Sri Lanka 54.09 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress19th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst90.79Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 10% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Sri Lanka 90.79 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector34th of 171position · derived87.36Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
top 19% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Sri Lanka 87.36 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 33%11.91Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 33% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Sri Lanka 11.91 · world median 5.769 (better)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index86th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst4.87WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 45% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Sri Lanka 4.87 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality3
Sex Ratio at Birthbottom 35%104.4Male births per 100 female births2023
bottom 35% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Sri Lanka 104.4 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
No real change since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index15th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst53.4SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
bottom 10% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Sri Lanka 53.4 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index97th of 176position · derived0.742Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
bottom 45% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.742 · world median 0.772 (worse)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index39th of 176position · derived0.621Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
top 22% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.621 · world median 0.339 (better)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index41st of 176position · derived0.587Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
top 23% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.587 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index36th of 176position · derived0.871Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
top 20% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.871 · world median 0.693 (better)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▲ +42 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media26th of 176position · derived1.961Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 14% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Sri Lanka 1.961 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▲ +57 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns56th of 176position · derived1.512Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 31% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Sri Lanka 1.512 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indextop 21%0Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Sri Lanka 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▲ +32 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index34th of 176position · derived0.52Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
top 19% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.52 · world median 0.298 (better)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▲ +26 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index86th of 176position · derived0.799Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 49% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Sri Lanka 0.799 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security6
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Sri Lanka 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index49th of 149rank · 1 = worst128.81GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
bottom 32% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Sri Lanka 128.81 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
No real change since 2013
INFORM Risk Index79th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst4.2INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
bottom 42% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Sri Lanka 4.2 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
No real change since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence124th of 211position · derived-0.043Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 41% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Sri Lanka -0.043 · world median 0.171 (worse)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors128th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-1.511Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 25% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Sri Lanka -1.511 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▲ +32 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Origintop 11%148,369Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
top 11% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Sri Lanka 148,369 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
No real change since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumbottom 30%271Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
bottom 30% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Sri Lanka 271 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumbottom 22%213Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
bottom 22% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Sri Lanka 213 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade4
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs139th of 174position · derived · 1 = worst2.46Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
top 21% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Sri Lanka 2.46 · world median 4.456 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiobottom 36%26.4Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
bottom 36% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Sri Lanka 26.4 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
No real change since 2012
Cost of Sending Remittances66th of 93position · derived · 1 = worst2.186Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
top 29% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Sri Lanka 2.186 · world median 3.225 (better)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
No real change since 2016
Net Migration Ratebottom 31%-1.219Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
bottom 31% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Sri Lanka -1.219 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Poverty & Inequality1
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Linesbottom 21%14.3Population below the national poverty line (%)2025
bottom 21% of 160 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the national poverty line (%)
Sri Lanka 14.3 · world median 21.8
Highest 82.3 (South Sudan)
No earlier reading to compare
Money & Public Finance1
Short-Term Share of External Debtbottom 44%10.24Short-term debt (% of total external debt)2024
bottom 44% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Short-term debt (% of total external debt)
Sri Lanka 10.24 · world median 9.376 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (5 countries tied)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2014
Energy4
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)bottom 44%0Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
bottom 44% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
Sri Lanka 0 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
No real change since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitabottom 22%10.2Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
bottom 22% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Sri Lanka 10.2 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 34%60.86Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 34% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Sri Lanka 60.86 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scoretop 39%41.09Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
top 39% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Sri Lanka 41.09 · world median 33.26 (better)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▲ +30 percentile points since 2013
Digital & Technology2
Mobile Phone Ownership127th of 140position · derived76.63Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 9% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
Sri Lanka 76.63 · world median 91.68 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
Smartphone Ownership119th of 140position · derived43.99Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 15% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
Sri Lanka 43.99 · world median 78.78 (worse)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratetop 49%14.11Births per 1,000 population2023
top 49% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Sri Lanka 14.11 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Crude Death Ratebottom 46%7.072Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 46% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Sri Lanka 7.072 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationtop 46%32.81Median age (years)2023
top 46% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Sri Lanka 32.81 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overtop 38%11.74Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
top 38% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Sri Lanka 11.74 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitytop 15%366.34People per square kilometre of land2023
top 15% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Sri Lanka 366.34 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratebottom 40%0.582Population growth (% per year)2023
bottom 40% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Sri Lanka 0.582 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
No real change since 2013
Population Under Age 15bottom 49%22.36Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
bottom 49% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Sri Lanka 22.36 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationbottom 15%93.76Males per 100 females2023
bottom 15% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Sri Lanka 93.76 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiobottom 36%51.74People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
bottom 36% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Sri Lanka 51.74 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratetop 50%1.974Live births per woman2023
top 50% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Sri Lanka 1.974 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
No real change since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Sri Lanka. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2020
- Agricultural Irrigated Land
- Agriculture Orientation Index · last seen 2023
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2016
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Gini Index · last seen 2019
- Global Report on Food Crises · last seen 2023
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2019
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2023
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2019
- Income Share Held by Richest 10% · last seen 2019
- Informal Employment Rate
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · last seen 2019
- Nuclear Share of Electricity Generation
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2023
- Palma Ratio · last seen 2019
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2019
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2019
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2019
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2023
- Primary Completion Rate
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2019
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2022
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2023
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Societal Poverty Rate · last seen 2019
- Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Products · last seen 2021
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2023
- Upper Secondary Completion Rate
07Keep reading
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08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Sri Lanka can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 38 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Sri Lanka on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Sri Lanka: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/sri-lanka