Much of the island's estimated population of 22 million people is concentrated in the southern part of the island, where the country's largest city and industrial center, Colombo, is located.

Sri Lanka

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The 10 Islands With the Largest Populations

Separated from the southern tip of India by the Palk Strait, Sri Lanka is roughly the size of West Virginia, but much more densely populated.

Much of the island's estimated population of 22 million people is concentrated in the southern part of the island, where the country's largest city and industrial center, Colombo, is located. These flat coastal areas give rise to the Central Highlands, a region of stunning mountains and land ridges recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rivers crisscross the island, providing a rich soil system for evergreen forests and terraced paddy fields. A variety of religions and fascinating cultural traditions coexist in Sri Lanka, with literature, art, and dance all dating back more than 2,500 years.

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