There's a place where the sky is always blue and the sea is so calm only true! Sri-Lanka is a nation steeped in rich history and culture. Originally under British rule, this nation once called Ceylon, gained their independence from the British Empire on February 4, 1948. The country became a republic and adopted its current name in 1972. Sri-Lanka's history spans over 3000 years and was settled primarily by the Portuguese and Dutch. Many of their influences, still prevalent today, are found in our wonderful art,music, and cuisine. Sri-Lanka's greatest exports to the world are tea and cinnamon.  Geographically speaking, the nation of Sri-Lanka is about 25,330 sq mi. When compared to the State of Missouri (69,715 sq mi), this is under half the size of our great state. It is sometimes mind-blowing the amount of heritage and culture this small nation has procured over many centuries. When it comes to religious beliefs, Sri-Lanka is primarily a Buddhist nation, while Christianity, Hinduism, and Islamism round out the other religious practices.  While the country today is very much part of the modern 21st century, steeped in commerce and technology, there lurks a mystic about its rich historical traditions not found elsewhere in the world.