Sri Lanka explained to kids

Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, located off the southern coast of India. The island is about the same size as the U.S. state of West Virginia. Sri Lanka is home to more than 20 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. The island of Sri Lanka has a long history. It was settled by humans as early as 125,000 years ago. The first written records of the island date back to the 5th century BC. Sri Lanka was ruled by a series of kingdoms and empires over the centuries. It was colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century and then by the Dutch in the 17th century. The British took control of Sri Lanka in the 19th century. Sri Lanka gained independence from Britain in 1948. Sri Lanka is a tropical country. The climate is warm and humid all year round. The average temperature is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Sri Lanka is a very diverse country. The landscape includes rainforests, mountains, beaches, and more. Sri Lanka is home to many different animals, including elephants, leopards, and monkeys. Sri Lanka is also home to more than 500 species of birds. The economy of Sri Lanka is mostly based on agriculture. Rice, coconuts, tea, and rubber are some of the country's main crops. Sri Lanka is also a major producer of gemstones, including sapphires and rubies. Tourism is another important industry in Sri Lanka. The people of Sri Lanka are very friendly and welcoming. The country is known for its delicious food, beautiful beaches, and rich culture.