Sri Lanka Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Sri Lanka's urban population was 20.46% in 2025, ranked 211th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's urban population stood at 20.46% in 2025, a rise of +0.16% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 20.46% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 211th globally.
Sri Lanka's urban population has experienced a fluctuating trajectory over the past 66 years, with varying degrees of growth. As of 2025, the country's urban population stands at 20.46% of its total population, ranking 211 globally. This figure is relatively stable compared to its all-time peak of 22.44% in 1972, a period characterized by rapid urbanization following Sri Lanka's independence from British colonial rule. Conversely, the country's urban population hit an all-time trough of 14.57% in 2001, a year marked by a severe economic crisis. Notably, Sri Lanka's urban population growth has been surpassed by that of South Sudan, which currently ranks higher at 21.67%. In comparison, Tonga's urban population stands at 20.85%. Sri Lanka's urban population trend is expected to remain relatively stable in the near future, however, any significant improvements in rural infrastructure and economic opportunities could potentially alter this trajectory by encouraging rural-to-urban migration.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 20.78% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 20.62% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 20.46% | - | - |
| 2025 | 20.46% | +0.16% | #211 |
| 2024 | 20.30% | +0.15% | #6 |
| 2023 | 20.15% | +0.16% | #6 |
| 2022 | 19.99% | +0.16% | #6 |
| 2021 | 19.83% | +0.16% | #6 |
| 2020 | 19.66% | +0.17% | #6 |
| 2019 | 19.49% | +0.17% | #7 |
| 2018 | 19.32% | +0.17% | #7 |
| 2017 | 19.15% | +0.18% | #7 |
| 2016 | 18.97% | +0.18% | #6 |
| 2015 | 18.80% | +0.18% | #7 |
| 2014 | 18.62% | +0.18% | #8 |
| 2013 | 18.43% | +0.17% | #8 |
| 2012 | 18.26% | +0.47% | #8 |
| 2011 | 17.79% | +0.54% | #8 |
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 urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's urban population was 20.46% in 2025. Ranked 211th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's urban population peaked at 22.44% in 1972.
The lowest urban population in Sri Lanka was 14.57% in 2001.
Sri Lanka ranks 211th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's urban population is projected to reach 20.46% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 20.46%. This ranks 211th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_urban-population,
title = {Sri Lanka Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}