Ceylon

Renowned for its spice industry, Sri Lanka is a major producer of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, mace and pepper, all of which are exported extensively around the world. Its geographical location and climate are perfect for the cultivation of spices and was once part of the Maritime Silk Road, the sea route that facilitated trade between the East and West. These spice routes can be traced back to as early as 2000BC which led to cinnamon finding its way to the Middle East and onwards.