Table 2 Socio-demographic profile of the two districts

Area

4,816 km²

5,636 km²

Percentage from the total population of Sri Lanka (2012)

7.9%

2.2%

Population growth factor (2001–2012)

0.97

1.21

Population density Persons/km² (2012)

350

82

Urban population

1.9%

-

Rural population

97.7%

98.1%

Estate population

0.5%

1.9%

Number of housing units (2014)

2100

460

Percentage of houses with electricity

85.1%

69.4%

Percentage acquired higher education

18.5%

11.4%

Percentage not ever attended a school

3.7%

7.8%

Literacy

94%

91%

Labour force participation

57.8%

63.7%

Percentage of males in the labour force

78.1%

81.8%

Percentage of females in the labour force

41.2%

46.9%

Percentage of the labour force in agriculture

35.0%

56.9%

Percentage of the labour force in industries

26.6%

13.0%

Percentage of the labour force in government/private sector services

38.4%

30.1%

Economically active percentage population (male/female)

60.8%, 39.2%

61.8%, 38.2%