How Big Is Sri Lanka in Size and Area?

Sri Lanka has a total land area of approximately 65,610 square kilometers (25,330 square miles). The island stretches roughly 435 km (270 miles) from north to south and about 240 km (150 miles) from east to west. It also has a coastline that extends approximately 1,340 kilometers (830 miles).

The island comprises the main landmass plus dozens of smaller offshore islands contributing to the total area. Additionally, the highest point in Sri Lanka is Pidurutalagala, which rises to 2,524 meters (8,281 feet) above sea level.

Size of Sri Lanka in Miles

Is Sri Lanka a Big or Small Country?

Sri Lanka is considered a small-to-medium-sized country by global standards. It ranks around 120th in the world by area. It's certainly not one of the smallest countries in the world (like Vatican City or Monaco), but it's also far from being a large country.

Sri Lanka Compared To Other Countries

To put its size into perspective, Sri Lanka is:

• Roughly comparable in size to the state of West Virginia in the United States.
• Smaller than countries like Ireland or Tasmania (Australia)
• Larger than countries like Bhutan, Israel, or Denmark (excluding Greenland)

Comparisons with neighboring countries

• Vs. India: ~1/50th the size of India (3.287 million km²)
• Vs. Maldives: ~220 times larger than the Maldives (297,8 km²)

Despite its relatively small landmass, Sri Lanka boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes with 8 UNESCO sites. Sri Lanka features beaches, rainforests, tea plantations, highlands, ancient cities, and national parks — all within just a few hours' travel.

Related Articles

• Where Is Nanu Oya Located in Sri Lanka?
• What Is the National Food of Sri Lanka?
• Are Holidays to Sri Lanka Expensive for Tourists?
• What Is the Name of the Famous Train Bridge in Sri Lanka?
• Where Is Colombo Located?
• What Are the Best Street Foods to Try in Colombo?
• Why Is Ram Setu Also Called Adam’s Bridge?

View more