Sri Lanka vs Jordan
Sri Lanka has a population of 21.8M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Sri Lanka is 1.9 times more populous than Jordan. Economically, Sri Lanka ($99.0B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Jordan covers 89,342 km², 1.4 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 0.3 years higher than Sri Lanka's 77.5 years.
Sri LankaJordan| Population | +85.5%21.8M | -46.1%11.7M |
| Area | -26.6%65,610 km² | +36.2%89,342 km² |
| GDP | +85.5%$99.0B | -46.1%$53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -2.2%$4,515.568 | +2.3%$4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.4%77.5 yrs | +0.4%77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -56.6%5.3 | +130.2%12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -75.8%4.0% | +312.9%16.5% |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | Amman |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Sinhala, Tamil | Arabic |
| Currencies | LKR (Rs රු) | JOD (د.ا) |
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 1.9 times more populous than Jordan, with 21.8M residents compared to 11.7M. Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). Jordan has grown at 3.65% 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 Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Sri Lanka economy ($99.0B) is 1.9 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Jordan are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Sri Lanka.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sri Lanka is 77.5 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 0.3 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 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 12.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Jordan's infant mortality is 130% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Jordan (89,342 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Sri Lanka shares borders with 0 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Both Sri Lanka and Jordan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Jordan is in infant mortality: Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 compared to Jordan's 12.2 per 1,000 represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Jordan is in GDP: Sri Lanka's $99.0B compared to Jordan's $53.4B represents a 46% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Jordan is in population: Sri Lanka's 21.8M compared to Jordan's 11.7M represents a 46% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Jordan has a GDP per capita of $4,618.096, which is 1.0x 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 Jordan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sri Lanka is 2.5x more densely populated than Jordan (332 vs 131 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Jordan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Jordan live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Sri Lanka (77.8 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 Jordan's 2.5%. Sri Lanka's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Sri Lanka vs Jordan for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 12.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Jordan 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 Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan 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 Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan Cost of Living
Jordan's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jordan, 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 Jordan's smaller cities.
Sri Lanka vs Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Jordan 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 Jordan by population?
Sri Lanka is larger by population, with 21.8M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Sri Lanka is 1.9 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sri Lanka or Jordan?
Sri Lanka has the higher GDP at $99.0B, compared to Jordan's $53.4B. Sri Lanka's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sri Lanka and Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Sri Lanka's 77.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Sri Lanka's life expectancy is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sri Lanka or Jordan?
Jordan is larger by land area, covering 89,342 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Jordan is 1.4 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka and Jordan?
Sri Lanka recognizes the following languages: Sinhala, Tamil. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sri Lanka or Jordan?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Jordan's 1.6%. Sri Lanka's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Jordan's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Sri Lanka or Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 12.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Jordan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Sri Lanka or Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan may offer better val...
Is Sri Lanka or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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, clim...
Is Sri Lanka or Jordan more expensive to live in?
Jordan's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jordan, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Sri Lanka or Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Sri Lanka's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...