The Seychelles is a group of about 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean about 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) east of Kenya. The nation is made up of two distinct collections of islands, some comprised of granite and others of coral. The Mahe Group consists of 42 granite islands, all within a 56-kilometer (35-mi.) radius of the main island of Mahe. These islands are rocky, and most have a narrow coastal stripe and a central range of hills rising as high as 914 meters (3,000 ft.). Mahe is the largest island and is the site of Victoria, the capital. The coral islands are flat with elevated coral reefs at different stages of formation. They have no fresh water; human life can be sustained on them only with difficulty. However, Seychelles is an isolated island paradise for which there are not enough superlatives. Seychelles is known for its turquoise seas and tropical weather. It is full of granite rock formations, sandy white beaches and crystal clear waters. The Seychelles are also inundated with rare plants (over 81 species) exclusive to the island, one of which is the coco-de-mer that has the largest seed in nature. Bird-watching is a major attraction in Seychelles. You’ll see sooty terns and one of the world’s largest colonies of roseate terns. Other attractions include snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, big-game fishing, surfing and enjoying local cuisine.

About 90% of the Seychellois people live on Mahe Island. Most others live on Praslin and La Digue, with the remaining smaller islands either sparsely populated or uninhabited. Most Seychellois are descendants of early French settlers and the African slaves brought to the Seychelles in the 19th century by the British, who freed them from slave ships on the East African coast. Indians and Chinese (1.1% of the population) account for the other permanent inhabitants. In 2006, about 4,000 expatriates lived and worked in Seychelles. Of those, about 65 were American.

Seychelles culture is a mixture of French and African (Creole) influences. Creole is the native language of 94% of the people; however, English and French are commonly used. English remains the language of government and commerce. About 92% of the population over age 15 is literate, and the literacy rate of school-aged children has risen to well over 98%. Increases are expected, as nearly all children of primary school age attend school, and the government encourages adult education. Seychelles' economy rests on tourism and fishing. Employment, foreign earnings, construction, banking, and commerce are all largely dependent on these two industries.

Quick Facts

• People
  • Nationality: Noun and adjective--Seychellois.
  • Population (2008 est.): 82,247.
  • Annual growth rate (2008 est.): 0.42%.
  • Ethnic groups: Creole (European, Asian, and African).
  • Religions: Catholic 82.3%, Anglican Church 6.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.1%, other Christian 3.4%, Hindu 2.1%, Muslim 1.1%, other 1.5%, unspecified 1.5%, none 0.6%.
  • Languages: Official languages are Creole, English, and French.
  • Education: Public schools and private schools, compulsory through grade 10. Literacy--92%.
  • Health: Free government health services for all people. Life expectancy--male 65.48 yrs, female 73.63 yrs. Infant mortality rate--14.36/1000.
  • Work force: 32,382 with 3,550 unemployed. Industries include tourism, fishing, manufacturing, and construction.
• Government
  • Type: Multiple-party republic.
  • Independence: June 29, 1976.
  • Constitution: June 18, 1993.
  • Branches: Executive--president (chief of state and head of government). Legislative--unicameral National Assembly with 34 seats (25 directly elected and 9 allocated on a proportional basis).
  • Judicial--Supreme Court, Appeals Court.
  • Political parties: Democratic Party (DP), Seychelles National Party (SNP), Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF).
  • Suffrage: Universal at 17.
• Economy
  • GDP (2008, official exchange rate): $800 million.
  • Annual growth rate (2008): 3.1%.
  • Per capita income (2008, purchasing power parity): $17,829.
  • Average inflation rate (2008): 32.4%.
  • Natural resources: Fish.
  • Agriculture: Copra, cinnamon, vanilla, coconuts, sweet potatoes, tapioca, bananas, tuna, chicken, teas.
  • Industry: Tourism, re-exports, maritime services.
  • Trade: Exports (2008)--$424 million: canned tuna, frozen/fresh fish, frozen prawns, cinnamon bark. Imports (2008)--$890 million. Major partners--France, Italy, U.K., Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Saudi Arabia.
  • Official exchange rate (December 2008): 16.75 rupees=U.S.$1.
  • Aid per capita (2003): $110.

History

The islands were named after a French royal accountant, Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles during the colonial days when the French ruled the islands. The French settled on the islands in the 1770s as spice planters and claimed official ownership in 1756.

The Seychelles became part of the British Empire after the 19 th century Napoleonic Wars, and became independent in 1976. Not long afterward, Seychelles surprisingly played a role in the Cold War. A socialist named Albert Rene ousted the president and developed more communistic regimes in the country. Eventually, Rene handed his power over to James Alix Michel. Michel was re-elected president in 2006, but democracy seems far off in the horizon.

Three of Seychelles Island’s were partially destroyed by residual tidal waves from the December 2004 tsunamis in Southeast Asia. Fortunately, the damage was repairable.

See and Do

As for eating out, Seychellois cuisine is a mixture of African, Chinese, English, French and Indian i a Creole tradition. Seafoods such as lobster and octopus, as well as pork and chicken, beef and lamb are all island favorites, though the beef and lamb must be imported.

• Glass-bottomed boats from Victoria to St Anne Marine National Park, allow visitors to view many of the exotic species of fish beneath the surface.
• Mahé Island's market, and Botanical Gardens with the coco-de-mer, giant island tortoises and rare orchids are all worth a tour, as are the old colonial homes on the island..
• Praslin is the second-largest island. Take in Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Aldabra is the world's largest atoll and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. There giant land tortoises roam freely.
• In La Digue, an old vanilla plantation can be toured. La Digue has truly excellent beaches as well.
• In Frégate, Bird Island and Cousin, birdwatching is some of the best in the world.
  

Planning your visit

• Passport/Visa Requirements: All visitors are required to have a current passport valid for sixth months after scheduled departure date. You can get a visitor’s permit upon arrival. Proof of sufficient funds is required.
• Population: 81,895
• Languages: Creole, English, French
• Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic)
• Time Zone: 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+4 GMT).
• Voltage Requirements: 240 volts. British-style three-point square-pin plugs are used.
• Telephone Codes: 248, country code

Climate

Expect hot weather year-round. The rainy season is from November to January; otherwise rains are relatively rare. It you plan on scuba diving, try to visit from March to May or September to November. Bird watching is best from April to October and fishing from October to April. The climate is equable and healthy, although quite humid, as the islands are small and subject to marine influences. The temperature varies little throughout the year. Temperatures on Mahe vary from 24C to 29.9C (75F-85F), and rainfall ranges from 288 centimeters (90 in.) annually at Victoria to 355 centimeters (140 in.) on the mountain slopes. Precipitation is somewhat less on the other islands. During the coolest months, July and August, the temperature drops to as low as 700F. The southeast trade winds blow regularly from May to November, and this is the most pleasant time of the year. The hot months are from December to April, with higher humidity (80). March and April are the hottest months, but the temperature seldom exceeds 88F. Most of the islands lie outside the cyclone belt, so high winds are rare.

Money

• Currency: Seychelles rupee (SRC or SRe)
• Exchange your money at authorized banks, hotels or money dealers at the airport.
• Taking more than 2,000 SRC out of the country is illegal.
• ATMs are available in Mahe, Praslin and La Digue and major credit cards are accepted at large hotels.
• Banking hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-2:30 pm, Saturday 8:30 am-11 am.
• Foreign Exchange Deficit: Because of a deficit, visitors are required to pay for the following activities/services by credit card or traveler’s check: hotels, renting cars or boats, at casinos, tour services and transfers.
• Do not exchange money on the black market; tourists have been caught and deported.
• Taxes: 7% sales tax on goods and services
• Tipping: tips are not expected. A service charge is added at hotels and restaurants.

Safety

• Violent crime is unusual, but petty theft does occur frequently; especially on the beaches and to parked cars. Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. You can reach the police by dialing 999.
• Other tips:
• You must get a permit to export a coco de mer.
• Spear gun fishing is illegal.