Peru vs Sri Lanka
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Peru is 1.6 times more populous than Sri Lanka. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 2.9 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 19.6 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 0.3 years higher than Sri Lanka's 77.5 years.
PeruSri Lanka| Population | +57.8%34.4M | -36.6%21.8M |
| Area | +1858.9%1,285,216 km² | -94.9%65,610 km² |
| GDP | +192.3%$289.2B | -65.8%$99.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +87.2%$8,452.372 | -46.6%$4,515.568 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.3%77.7 yrs | -0.3%77.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +154.7%13.5 | -60.7%5.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +27.8%5.1% | -21.7%4.0% |
| Capital | Lima | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Sinhala, Tamil |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | LKR (Rs රු) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Peru is 1.6 times more populous than Sri Lanka, with 34.4M residents compared to 21.8M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 2.9 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Sri Lanka.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 77.5 years in Sri Lanka, a gap of 0.3 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Peru's infant mortality is 155% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 19.6 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Sri Lanka borders 0 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Sri Lanka's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Sri Lanka is located in Asia. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Sri Lanka belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Sri Lanka is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Sri Lanka is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Sri Lanka is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 represents a 61% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 1.9x that of Sri Lanka ($4,515.568). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sri Lanka is 12.4x more densely populated than Peru (332 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Sri Lanka (77.7 vs 77.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Sri Lanka's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Peru's 3.3%. Sri Lanka's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Sri Lanka for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Sri Lanka for Budget Travelers
Sri Lanka is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,515.568 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sri Lanka can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Sri Lanka for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sri Lanka may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Peru vs Sri Lanka Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Sri Lanka can approach or exceed average costs in Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Sri Lanka for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka covers 1. Sri Lanka's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Peru or Sri Lanka by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Peru is 1.6 times more populous than Sri Lanka.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Sri Lanka?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B. Peru's economy is 2.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Sri Lanka?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Sri Lanka's 77.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sri Lanka's is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Sri Lanka?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Peru is 19.6 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Sri Lanka?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Sri Lanka recognizes: Sinhala, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Peru's 2.0%. Sri Lanka's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Peru's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Peru or Sri Lanka better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Peru or Sri Lanka cheaper to visit?
Sri Lanka is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,515.568 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sri Lanka can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value i...
Is Peru or Sri Lanka better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sri Lanka may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Peru or Sri Lanka more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Peru or Sri Lanka better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka covers 1. Sri Lanka's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...