The Geography of Sri Lanka & the Maldives
Sri Lanka and the Maldives are two South Asian island nations in the Indian Ocean. While relatively close to each other, they offer unique and diverse profiles in terms of climate, physical and human geography, history, and economic development.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island nation situated to the southeast of India. It had early settlements and kingdoms like the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The island’s location attracted colonizers, starting with the Portuguese in the early 16th century, followed by the Dutch, and finally the British in 1796. Sri Lanka gained independence from Britain in 1948. The late 20th century was marked by a brutal civil war between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which lasted from 1983 to 2009.
The island features diverse geographical landscapes including coastal plains, central highlands, lakes, and rivers. The central highlands are dominated by the Knuckles and Central mountains, with Pidurutalagala being the highest peak reaching over 8200 feet. The island’s rivers, such as the Mahaweli and Kelani, are crucial for agriculture and hydropower.
Sri Lanka features a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons influenced by monsoons. The southwest monsoon, from May to September, brings heavy rainfall to the southwestern part of the island, while the northeast monsoon, from December to February, affects the northeast. Average temperatures range between 77°F to 86°F year-round in coastal regions but can drop in the central highlands.
Colombo, the largest city, serves as the country’s commercial and industrial center. Colombo attracts both business and leisure travelers with its mix of skyscrapers, colonial buildings, and markets. Kandy, another key city, is renowned for its cultural heritage, particularly the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is a pilgrimage site and tourist attraction. The historic city of Galle, with its well-preserved Galle Fort, is an example of the country's colonial history.
Sri Lanka’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Tea, rubber, and coconut are major agricultural exports, while textiles and garments are significant contributors to the manufacturing sector. However, the economy faces challenges such as political instability, debt, and the need for post-war reconstruction and reconciliation.
The Maldives
The Maldives’ history has been influenced by South Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arab traders. Islam was introduced in 1153, shaping the Maldivian culture and society. The Maldives were a British protectorate from 1887 until gaining full independence in 1965. Since then, the Maldives has developed rapidly, transforming from a predominantly fishing-based economy to a popular luxury tourism destination.
The Maldives consists of 26 atolls, which are made up of over 1,000 coral islands spread across roughly 34,750 sq. miles. The islands are low-lying, with the highest natural point barely reaching 8 feet above sea level. This makes the Maldives particularly vulnerable to sea level rise. Coral reefs, lagoons, and white sand beaches define the Maldivian landscape, contributing to its reputation as a tropical paradise.
The Maldives also experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity. The country has a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Temperatures generally hover around 75°F to 88°F throughout the year, with high levels of humidity and occasional cyclones.
Malé is the capital and most populous city in the Maldives. This densely populated area is home to most of the country’s population, government institutions, and commercial activities. To address the population pressure on Malé, Hulhumalé, a reclaimed island, has been developed as an emerging hub for development and tourism. It offers modern infrastructure and planned urban spaces. Addu City, the second-largest urban area, is also important due to its location and economic activities.
The Maldivian economy is reliant on tourism. Fishing, particularly tuna fishing, is another important sector. In recent years, the Maldives has also focused on developing financial services and offshore banking. The country’s economic vulnerability stems from its dependence on tourism and susceptibility to environmental changes and global economic fluctuations.