Sri Lanka vs Austria
Sri Lanka has a population of 21.8M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Sri Lanka is 2.4 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Austria ($534.8B) has a GDP 5.4 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Austria covers 83,871 km², 1.3 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Austria stands at 81.5 years, 4.1 years higher than Sri Lanka's 77.5 years.
Sri LankaAustria| Population | +136.5%21.8M | -57.7%9.2M |
| Area | -21.8%65,610 km² | +27.8%83,871 km² |
| GDP | -81.5%$99.0B | +440.4%$534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -92.3%$4,515.568 | +1190.4%$58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.0%77.5 yrs | +5.2%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +103.8%5.3 | -50.9%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -28.3%4.0% | +39.4%5.6% |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | Vienna |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Sinhala, Tamil | German |
| Currencies | LKR (Rs රු) | EUR (€) |
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
Sri Lanka is 2.4 times more populous than Austria, with 21.8M residents compared to 9.2M. Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Austria economy ($534.8B) is 5.4 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Austria's GDP per capita of $58,268.879 is 108% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Austria are on average 12.9 times wealthier than those in Sri Lanka.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sri Lanka is 77.5 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 4.1 years. Austria (81.5 years) is 9.5 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 5.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sri Lanka's infant mortality is 104% higher than Austria's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Austria (83,871 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Sri Lanka shares borders with 0 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Sri Lanka lies in Asia, while Austria is located in Europe. Sri Lanka is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Austria belongs to Europe (Central Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Austria is in GDP per capita: Sri Lanka's $4,515.568 compared to Austria's $58,268.879 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Austria is in GDP: Sri Lanka's $99.0B compared to Austria's $534.8B represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Austria is in population: Sri Lanka's 21.8M compared to Austria's 9.2M represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy and Austria's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Austria has a GDP per capita of $58,268.879, which is 12.9x 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 Austria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sri Lanka is 3.0x more densely populated than Austria (332 vs 110 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Austria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Austria live an average of 4.1 years longer than those of Sri Lanka (81.5 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 Austria's -0.7%. Sri Lanka's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Austria's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sri Lanka vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 5.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Sri Lanka offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Austria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sri Lanka vs Austria 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 Austria. However, Austria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Sri Lanka vs Austria for Retirees
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 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.
Sri Lanka vs Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 12.9x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, 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 Austria's smaller cities.
Sri Lanka vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Austria 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, Sri Lanka or Austria by population?
Sri Lanka is larger by population, with 21.8M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Sri Lanka is 2.4 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sri Lanka or Austria?
Austria has the higher GDP at $534.8B, compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B. Austria's economy is 5.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sri Lanka and Austria?
Austria has a higher life expectancy at 81.5 years, compared to Sri Lanka's 77.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.1 years. Sri Lanka's life expectancy is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Austria's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sri Lanka or Austria?
Austria is larger by land area, covering 83,871 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Austria is 1.3 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka and Austria?
Sri Lanka recognizes the following languages: Sinhala, Tamil. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sri Lanka or Austria?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Austria's 2.9%. Sri Lanka's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Austria's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Sri Lanka or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 5.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Sri Lanka offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Sri Lanka or Austria 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 Austria. However, Austria may offer better v...
Is Sri Lanka or Austria better for retirement?
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 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, cli...
Is Sri Lanka or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 12.9x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Sri Lanka or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Sri Lanka's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...