Sri Lanka Population 2026
As of 2025, Sri Lanka's population stands at approximately 21,916,000, making it the 60th most populous country in the world. The country has experienced a slight population decline in the most recent year, with a 1-year growth rate of -0.55%. Over the past decade, however, the average annual growth rate has been 0.53%.
Population Trend (Sri Lanka)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Sri Lanka's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Sri Lanka, a lower-middle-income country in South Asia, has a population of 21,916,000 as of 2025. The nation's demographic trajectory shows a recent shift: while the 10-year average growth rate is 0.53%, the latest single-year figure of -0.55% indicates a contraction. This decline may reflect factors such as low fertility rates, emigration, or an aging population, though the data provided does not specify causes. In the regional context of South Asia, Sri Lanka's population is relatively modest compared to giants like India and Pakistan, but it remains a significant island nation with a dense settlement pattern. The negative growth rate in 2025 places Sri Lanka among a small number of countries experiencing population decrease, contrasting with the broader South Asian trend of continued, albeit slowing, growth. The country's global rank of 60 underscores its mid-sized population status, and the lower-middle-income classification suggests ongoing economic transitions that often correlate with demographic shifts. Overall, Sri Lanka's population dynamics highlight a period of stabilization or potential decline after decades of steady growth.
Key Facts
- Latest population (2025): 21,916,000
- 1-year growth rate: -0.55%
- 10-year average growth rate: 0.53%
- Global population rank: #60
- Region: South Asia
- Income group: Lower middle income