Determining the South Asian country most similar to Latin America requires considering various social, cultural, economic, and political factors.
One way to answer this complex question is by analyzing the data from the Country Similarity Index. The index attempts to quantify how similar countries are to each other relative to other countries, using a variety of statistics from five broad categories: demographics, culture, politics, infrastructure, and geography.
The data shows that Sri Lanka is by far the most similar South Asian country to Latin America. On the other end of the spectrum, Bhutan is the least similar.
(Latin American countries defined as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela)
Infrastructure is the biggest reason why Sri Lanka has a lot in common with Latin American countries. They also share some similarities in demographics and geography.
Demographics
Sri Lanka has the highest median age in South Asia at over 32 years old, so it is closer to Latin American nations than others in the region. Furthermore, Sri Lankans tend to be more educated than other South Asian populations, since it has higher literacy rates and years of mean schooling. This is part of the reason why the country is the wealthiest in the region.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka has by far the highest percentage of Christians in South Asia. Like Latin America, it was a European colony for several centuries. During their colonial rule, these European powers introduced Christianity to the island. Although most of its people are Buddhist, over 6% of its people are Christian.
Infrastructure
Sri Lanka has the most vehicles per capita in South Asia. It also has the best water quality and the highest percentage of people with basic sanitation in the region. These factors make Sri Lanka more like Latin America than other nations in South Asia.
Sri Lanka’s strategic location has led to the development of significant port facilities, such as the Colombo Port. Similarly, many Latin American countries, especially those with coastal areas, have also invested in ports to facilitate maritime trade. Both Sri Lanka and Latin American cities have experienced urbanization and modernization efforts recently.
Geography
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, similar to many Latin American countries, especially those close to the equator. These countries are known for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems. Furthermore, a high percentage of people in Sri Lanka and Latin America live close to the coast.
The Most Similar Latin American Country to Sri Lanka
The Country Similarity Index suggests that the Dominican Republic is the most similar Latin American country to Sri Lanka. Both the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka located on islands that are known for their beautiful beaches and attract tourists seeking tropical destinations. Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka also have a similar standard of living and amount of development.
