Sri Lanka Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
Sri Lanka's population growth was -1.06% in 2025, ranked 207th globally. This represents a 93.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's population growth stood at -1.06% in 2025, a decline of +0.51pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.06% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 207th globally.
Sri Lanka's population growth rate has been on a declining trend, with the latest figure standing at -1.06% in 2025, ranking 207th globally. This is a significant departure from its all-time peak of 2.46% in 1964. The country's population growth rate also experienced a trough of -2.80% in 2013. In comparison to its peers, Sri Lanka's population growth rate is closer to that of Nepal, which stands at -0.93%, and Tuvalu, at -1.79%. The decline in population growth rate can be attributed to various factors, including declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy. As the population continues to age, the trend is likely to persist, unless significant changes in fertility rates or migration patterns occur to alter the trajectory of Sri Lanka's population growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | -1.84% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -1.45% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -1.06% | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.06% | −0.51pp | #207 |
| 2024 | -0.55% | +0.10pp | #14 |
| 2023 | -0.65% | −0.76pp | #12 |
| 2022 | 0.11% | −0.96pp | #54 |
| 2021 | 1.08% | +0.54pp | #122 |
| 2020 | 0.53% | −0.08pp | #87 |
| 2019 | 0.61% | −0.39pp | #81 |
| 2018 | 1.01% | −0.14pp | #101 |
| 2017 | 1.14% | +0.01pp | #108 |
| 2016 | 1.13% | +0.21pp | #108 |
| 2015 | 0.92% | −0.01pp | #92 |
| 2014 | 0.93% | +3.73pp | #92 |
| 2013 | -2.80% | −3.56pp | #2 |
| 2012 | 0.76% | +0.14pp | #81 |
| 2011 | 0.62% | +0.03pp | #78 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sri Lanka matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw population growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's population growth was -1.06% in 2025. Ranked 207th globally. This represents a 93.1% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's population growth peaked at 2.46% in 1964.
The lowest population growth in Sri Lanka was -2.80% in 2013.
Sri Lanka ranks 207th globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's population growth is projected to reach -1.06% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of Sri Lanka in 2025 was -1.06%. This ranks 207th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_population-growth,
title = {Sri Lanka Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}