Colombo is the most populous city and district in Sri Lanka. The city limits host approximately 750,000 residents, while the greater metropolitan area and district encompass roughly 2.4 million people.
The population is highly diverse and multicultural, reflecting the city's long history as an international trading port. Sinhalese make up the majority, but Colombo is home to large and vibrant communities of Sri Lankan Moors, Sri Lankan Tamils, and smaller groups including Burghers (descendants of European colonists) and Malays.
This ethnic diversity is mirrored in the city's religious landscape. Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, Islamic mosques, and Christian churches stand side by side across the city. The workforce is highly educated relative to regional standards, and a significant portion of the country's middle- and upper-class population resides in or commutes to the Colombo metropolitan area.
