Sri Lanka becomes third most traffic congested country

Sri Lanka has been ranked the third most traffic-congested country in the world, according to Numbeo’s Traffic Index by Country 2026 Mid-Year.

Sri Lanka recorded a traffic index score of 254.5, placing the country only behind Nigeria and Costa Rica, the Index states.   

Nigeria recorded the world’s highest traffic index at 320.3.   

Higher scores in this index generally point to a greater reliance on private vehicles, limited use of public transportation, or excessively long commutes.   

Numbeo compiles its Traffic Index using data submitted by users to compare congestion levels across countries and cities. The index measures the overall level of traffic congestion experienced by commuters by evaluating average travel time, traffic inefficiencies, estimated fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Higher overall scores indicate more severe congestion.  The scoring system relies on several specific sub-indices to break down the commuter experience. The Time Index reflects the average one-way daily commute in minutes, providing a baseline for how long it typically takes to travel within a given city.   

Bangladesh, Kenya, Egypt, Peru, Iran, India and Colombia rounded out the top 10 most congested countries in the world.