Sri Lanka

An island nation south of India, home to an ancient Sinhalese Buddhist civilisation and a substantial Tamil Hindu minority. A British colony until 1948, it endured a 26-year civil war (1983-2009) between the state and Tamil separatists; its economy rests on tea, garments and tourism.

• Existed: 1948 CE – present
• Type: Country
• Government: Semi-presidential republic
• Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte