Some 64,000 people died and a million fled their homes during two decades of civil war between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for an independent state in the north and east of the island.

Landmines and explosive debris have left large areas uninhabitable. The fighting has also laid waste to agricultural land, contributing to child malnutrition. One of the biggest tragedies has been the rebels' use of child soldiers, some as young as nine.

The conflict has its roots in ethnic tension between the Buddhist Sinhalese majority and the mainly Hindu Tamil minority who accuse the government of discrimination.

The two sides signed a ceasefire in 2002. The Tigers relaxed their demand for a separate homeland, but withdrew from peace talks in 2003. Violence has escalated since the end of 2005, prompting fears the island is slipping back into war.

The Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed more than 35,000 people in Sri Lanka, underlined the ethnic divisions - a deal to share international aid has still not been implemented.

Total IDPs:	798,751 (Sept 2005)
IDPs from conflict:	341,175 (Sept 2005)
IDPs from tsunami:	457,576 (Sept 2005)
IDPs who have returned home:	392,178 (2002-2005)
Total refugees abroad:	124,800 (July 2005)
Refugees in India:	68,000 (July 2005)
Returnees from India in 2005:	17,955

Malnutrition
Percentage of underweight under-fives: 29 percent (2003)
Source: UNDP - Human Development Report 2005
Percentage of undernourished population: 22 percent (2000-2002 average)
Source: UNDP - Human Development Report 2005

Child soldiers
Recruitment: 3,883 cases reported from Feb 2002-2005 to UNICEF, which believes the actual figure is more than three times higher.

Landmines
Casualties in 2005: 30, of which 4 killed and 26 injured
Source: UNDP