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Age dependency ratio > dependents to working-age population	0.46		[152nd of 185]
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Age structure > 0-14 years	24.5		[142nd of 226]
DEFINITION: The distribution of the population according to age. Information is included by sex and age group (0-14 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over). The age structure of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest.
SOURCE: World Development Indicators database
Age structure > 15-64 years	68.4		[44th of 226]
DEFINITION: The distribution of the population according to age. Information is included by sex and age group (0-14 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over). The age structure of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest.
SOURCE: CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005
Chinese population	3,500		[67th of 127]
DEFINITION: Distribution of the Overseas Chinese Population
SOURCE: CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005
Divorce rate	0.15 per 1,000 people		[36th of 34]
DEFINITION: Divorce rate per 1,000 people
SOURCE: University Libraries, Ohio University
Gender development	0.737		[68th of 141]
SOURCE: divorcereform.org2004
Gender empowerment	0.274		[64th of 65]
DEFINITION: Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM). The GEM measures the participation of women and men in political decision-making. This index also has four indicators: female members of the Legislature, female participation in selected positions in public and private sector, female participation in academic and technical work, and estimated income. Both indexes are based on data collected by the UN and are processed to enable comparison.
SOURCE: Human Development Reports, United Nations 2002
Percentage living in rural areas.	79%		[14th of 193]
DEFINITION: Percentage of people living in rural areas. Data for 2003. Urban-rural classification of population in internationally published statistics follows the national census definition, which differs from one country or area to another. National definitions are usually based on criteria that may include any of the following: size of population in a locality, population density, distance between built-up areas, predominant type of economic activity, legal or administrative boundaries and urban characteristics such as specific services and facilities.
SOURCE: Human Development Reports, United Nations 2002
Percentage living in urban areas	21%		[186th of 199]
DEFINITION: Percentage of people living in urban areas. Data for 2003. Urban-rural classification of population in internationally published statistics follows the national census definition, which differs from one country or area to another. National definitions are usually based on criteria that may include any of the following: size of population in a locality, population density, distance between built-up areas, predominant type of economic activity, legal or administrative boundaries and urban characteristics such as specific services and facilities.
SOURCE: Population Division of the United Nations Secretariat, World Urbanization Prospects: The 2003 Revision, Data Tables and Highlights. Estimates and projections of urban and rural populations are made by the Population Division of the United Nations Secretariat and published every two years. These estimates and projections are based on national census or survey data that have been evaluated and, whenever necessary, adjusted for deficiencies and inconsistencies
Persons per room	2.2		[4th of 60]
DEFINITION: The main data sources for housing statistics are national population and housing censuses. Internationally recommended concepts and definitions for collecting these statistics are published in the Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing
SOURCE: Population Division of the United Nations Secretariat, World Urbanization Prospects: The 2003 Revision, Data Tables and Highlights. Estimates and projections of urban and rural populations are made by the Population Division of the United Nations Secretariat and published every two years. These estimates and projections are based on national census or survey data that have been evaluated and, whenever necessary, adjusted for deficiencies and inconsistencies
Projected population growth	18.94%		[94th of 141]
DEFINITION: Percentage change in projected population between 2000 and 2050 Units: Percent Change in Population Units: A threshold of 0 was applied. All countries with growth rates of 0 or below received the same score.
SOURCE: United Nations Secretariat and United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), Compendium of Human Settlement Statistics 2001 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.01.XVII.5), Compendium of Human Settlement Statistics 1995 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.95.XVII.11) and United Nations, Compendium of Human Settlements Statistics 1983 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E/F.84.XVII.5)
Rural population	16,661,950		[30th of 193]
DEFINITION: Rural population is calculated as the difference between the total population and the urban population.		View time series
SOURCE: Population Reference Bureau, 2001 World Population Data Sheet, Washington, DC: PRB, 2001. via ciesin.org
Sex ratio > 15-64 years	0.94		[193rd of 223]
DEFINITION: The number of males for each female one of five age groups - at birth, under 15 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over, and for the total population. Sex ratio at birth has recently emerged as an indicator of certain kinds of sex discrimination in some countries. For instance, high sex ratios at birth in some Asian countries are now attributed to sex-selective abortion and infanticide due to a strong preference for sons. This will affect future marriage patterns and fertility patterns. Eventually it could cause unrest among young adult males who are unable to find partners.
SOURCE: World Development Indicators database
Total Population	20,222,240		[53rd of 227]
DEFINITION: Total Population, as of April 26, 2005
SOURCE: CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005
Total Population > Female	10,318,310		[52nd of 227]
DEFINITION: Total Population - Female, as of April 26, 2005
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, International Programs Center Spanish Statistical Institute
Urban population	2,963,433		[104th of 195]
DEFINITION: Urban population is the midyear population of areas defined as urban in each country and reported to the United Nations.		View time series
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, International Programs Center Spanish Statistical Institute
Urbanization	23		[185th of 204]
DEFINITION: Estimates and projections of urban and rural populations are made by the Population Division of the United Nations Secretariat and published every two years. These estimates and projections are based on national census or survey data that have been evaluated and, whenever necessary, adjusted for deficiencies and inconsistencies. Urban-rural classification of population in internationally published statistics follows the national census definition, which differs from one country or area to another. National definitions are usually based on criteria that may include any of the following: size of population in a locality, population density, distance between built-up areas, predominant type of economic activity, legal or administrative boundaries and urban characteristics such as specific services and facilities.
SOURCE: World Development Indicators database
Urbanization in 2015	29.9%		[147th of 164]
SOURCE: Population Division of the United Nations Secretariat, World Urbanization Prospects: The 2001 Revision, Data Tables and Highlights (ESA/P/WP.173, 20 March 2002)
Women > Adult literacy rate females as a % of males	94		[72nd of 144]
DEFINITION: People - Women - Adult literacy rate: females as a % of males 2000
SOURCE: UN (United Nations). 2002. World Urbanization Prospects: The 2001 Revision. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. New York
Women > Life expectancy females as a % of males	109		[36th of 173]
DEFINITION: People - Women - Life expectancy: females as a % of males 2002
SOURCE: UNICEF

Interesting facts on Sri Lankan People

• Sri Lanka has lowest divorce rate in the world - and the highest rate of female suicide.

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