> Which country's flag depicts a yellow lion holding a sword?And the answer: Sri Lanka. Image courtesy: Sri Lanka public domain.Located about 55 km off the coast ofIndia, the island nation of Sri Lanka has a rich cultural history, withinfluences from India, Portugal, the Netherlands, and England. On the nationalflag, the yellow lion represents the Sinhalese, the majority ethnic group in SriLanka, while the orange and green stripes represent the two minority groups, theTamils and Muslims.As reflected in the religious recognition of its flag, Sri Lanka's culturalmosaic is is at once ancient and constantly adapting. The longstanding Hindu andBuddhist tradition is pervasive in fields of art, architecture, literature,music, medicine and astronomy, while Indian and western influence is reflectedin modern original works and adaptations. Sri Lanka has been continuously inhabited for over two millennia. Its history isso dated that the first tree planted by human hands can be found in its soil – a2,300-year-old sacred fig or bo-tree named Sri Maha Bodhiya. Scientists estimatethat it was planted around the year 288 BC, and it is said that mother tree fromwhich this specimen was propagated was none other than the tree under which theLord Buddha was sitting when he gained enlightenment.The Pearl of the Indian Ocean, or so it's called today, is known for its teaexport. As the fourth largest tea exporter in the world, Ceylon Tea isconsidered to be some of the cleanest tea money can buy. Check out this site[https://www.pureceylontea.com/] to learn more about its uses, production andhistory. To experience a taste of Sri Lanka's rich food culture, check out this recipe[https://www.askqotd.com/p/a4367b62-e011-4f0b-b567-c915323a0000/And,%20to%20experience%20a%20taste%20of%20Sri%20Lanka's%20cuisine,%20check%20out%20this%20recipe.]. For sights, history and picturesque scenery, check out the video below.