Sri LankaBrazil
Sri Lanka has a population of 21.8M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 9.8 times more populous than Sri Lanka. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 22.1 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 129.8 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Sri Lanka stands at 77.5 years, 1.6 years higher than Brazil's 75.8 years.
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Sri Lanka wins
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Brazil wins
Metric
Sri LankaBrazil| Population | 21.8M | 213.4M |
| Area | 65,610 km² | 8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | $99.0B | $2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,515.568 | $10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.5 yrs | 75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 5.3 | 12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 4.0% | 6.0% |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | Brasília |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Sinhala, Tamil | Portuguese |
| Currencies | LKR (Rs රු) | BRL (R$) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Brazil is 9.8 times more populous than Sri Lanka, with 213.4M residents compared to 21.8M. Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Brazil has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sri Lanka.
Economy Comparison
Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 22.1 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. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in Sri Lanka.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sri Lanka is 77.5 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 1.6 years. Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years. At 12.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Brazil's infant mortality is 136% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 129.8 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Sri Lanka shares borders with 0 countries, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Sri Lanka lies in Asia, while Brazil is located in South America. Sri Lanka is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Brazil belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Brazil is in land area: Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Brazil is in GDP: Sri Lanka's $99.0B compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Brazil is in population: Sri Lanka's 21.8M compared to Brazil's 213.4M represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 2.3x 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 Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sri Lanka is 13.2x more densely populated than Brazil (332 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sri Lanka live an average of 1.6 years longer than those of Brazil (77.5 vs 75.8 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 Brazil's 3.4%. Sri Lanka's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Sri Lanka vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil 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.
Sri Lanka vs Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil 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 Brazil for Retirees
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Brazil 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 Brazil Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, 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 Brazil's smaller cities.
Sri Lanka vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. 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 Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Brazil is 9.8 times more populous than Sri Lanka.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sri Lanka or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B. Brazil's economy is 22.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sri Lanka and Brazil?
Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy at 77.5 years, compared to Brazil's 75.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.6 years. Sri Lanka's life expectancy is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sri Lanka or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Brazil is 129.8 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka and Brazil?
Sri Lanka recognizes the following languages: Sinhala, Tamil. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sri Lanka or Brazil?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. Sri Lanka's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Sri Lanka or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Sri Lanka or Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better val...
Is Sri Lanka or Brazil better for retirement?
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Brazil may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Sri Lanka or Brazil more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Sri Lanka or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Sri Lanka's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...