Seychelles

Seychelles is a beautiful group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. It is the smallest country in Africa and also has the fewest people, with about 100,600 living there in 2022. The capital city is called Victoria, and it is located 1,500 kilometres east of Africa.

The islands of Seychelles were not always home to people. They were first found by Europeans in the 16th century but were not settled until the 18th century, when France claimed them. During this time, many people were brought from Africa to work on plantations.

Today, Seychelles is an independent country that began in 1976. It has grown from farming to a strong economy based on services, government jobs, and especially tourism. Seychelles is known for having the highest income and quality of life among all African countries. The culture there is a mix of French, British, Indian, and African traditions, with some Chinese influence as well. Seychelles is part of many important groups, including the United Nations, the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the Commonwealth of Nations.

History

Main article: History of Seychelles

The Seychelles islands were not home to people before Europeans arrived. Arab and Swahili sailors may have known about the islands through trade, but no one lived there permanently before the 1700s. Europeans first wrote about the islands in the 1500s, and France settled them in the 1700s. During this time, many enslaved Africans were brought to the islands to work. After Britain took control in the early 1800s and ended slavery, workers from India were brought in to help. This history helped shape the diverse culture of Seychelles today. The islands stayed a British colony until they became independent in 1976. Seychelles has never had indigenous people, but its people today value their own Creole heritage.

Early history

Seychelles was not lived in for most of history, though some think Austronesian travelers might have visited. Some old tombs on Silhouette Island might have belonged to traders from the Maldives or Arab countries. In 1503, Vasco da Gama and his team saw the islands. Later, the Portuguese mapped seven islands and called them The Seven Sisters. The first known landing was in 1609 by a British ship. The islands were sometimes used by pirates before the French took control in 1756. They were named after a French politician and became part of a French colony. In 1770, French settlers and slaves arrived on Ste. Anne Island.

During wars between France and Britain, a British ship arrived in 1794 but the islands stayed under French control. After Britain took over a nearby island in 1810, they also took control of Seychelles, which was made official in 1814. Seychelles became its own British colony in 1903. Elections were held in 1966 and 1970.

Seychellois stamps with portrait of Queen Elizabeth II

Independence

In 1976, Seychelles became independent from the United Kingdom as a republic. It joined the Commonwealth. In the 1970s, Seychelles was a popular place for famous people to visit. In 1977, a leader named France-Albert René took control in a coup. He wanted to make sure the islands stayed for the people of Seychelles.

In the 1980s, there were several attempts to remove President René from power, some supported by South Africa. In 1981, a group of people tried to take over but failed. In 1986, another attempt happened, and India helped stop it.

In 2013, a big storm caused severe damage and flooding in Seychelles.

In 2020, an election was held and a new leader from the opposition party won for the first time. In 2023, Seychelles finished plans to protect a large area of ocean to support its economy.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Seychelles

The president of Seychelles is both the head of state and government, chosen by voters for a five-year term. The president leads a cabinet that needs support from most of the parliament. As of 2026, the president is Patrick Herminie.

Seychelles has one parliament called the National Assembly, with 35 members. Twenty-six are chosen by voters, and nine more are selected based on party vote shares. They all serve for five years.

Political culture

Seychelles had a long-serving president, France-Albert René, who took power after supporters changed leaders in 1977. He led the country under a system where only one party could hold power until 1993, when more parties were allowed. He left office in 2004, and James Michel took over, winning several elections. In 2020, Wavel Ramkalawan, a priest and former opposition member, became president, marking the first time an opposition candidate won in Seychelles.

The main political groups are the United Seychelles and the Seychelles National Party.

Foreign relations

Further information: Foreign relations of Seychelles

Seychelles belongs to groups like the United Nations, the African Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Military

Seychelles has a small military with parts for land, sea, air, and protecting the president. India has helped develop Seychelles' military, giving ships, planes, and supporting projects on an island.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Districts of Seychelles

Seychelles is split into twenty-six areas. Eight areas make up the capital, Victoria. Fourteen are rural parts of the main island, Mahé. Two areas cover the island of Praslin, and one covers La Digue and nearby islands. The remaining areas are the distant islands, called the Outer Islands.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Seychelles and Geology of Seychelles

Seychelles is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. It has 155 named islands, and some more have been built by people. Most of the islands are quiet nature spots. The biggest island is called Mahé.

The islands sit on a hidden piece of rock under the sea. Scientists used this to help learn how Earth’s pieces move. Some islands have white sand, and others have rocks and forests. There are many small islands far away that are mostly just birds and sea life.

The weather is warm and rainy all year. It is coolest from July to August, and warmest from March to April. The islands are safe from strong storms.

Seychelles works hard to protect its animals and plants. Many birds live there, and there are special plants like the coco de mer palm with its very heavy seed. The islands also have unique crabs and tortoises. People help take care of the reefs and forests so all these living things stay safe.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Seychelles

See also: Indo-Seychellois, Sino-Seychellois, Seychellois Creole people, Seychellois Creole, and Franco-Seychellois

When the British took control of the islands during the Napoleonic Wars, they let the French upper class keep their land. Both French and British settlers used enslaved Africans, and even after the British ended slavery in 1835, more African workers came. The French-speaking group, called the Gran blan, led in business and government. The British brought Indians to work, similar to in Mauritius, creating a small Indian community. Indians and a few Chinese mostly worked in trading.

Today, Seychelles is a mix of many peoples and cultures. Many Seychellois have family from Africa, Asia, and Europe, creating a unique creole way of life. This mix is also seen in the food, which includes flavors from French, Chinese, Indian, and African traditions.

As Seychelles had no people living there before, all Seychellois come from families who moved there. The biggest groups are from Africa, France, India, and China. The median age of people in Seychelles is 34 years.

Languages

French and English are official languages, along with Seychellois Creole, a French-based creole language similar to ones spoken in Mauritius and Réunion. Seychellois Creole is the most spoken language and is the de facto national language of the country. Seychellois Creole often includes English words and phrases. About 91% of people speak Seychellois Creole as their first language, 5.1% speak English, and 0.7% speak French. Most business and official work is done in English, and nearly all government websites are in English. Meetings at the National Assembly are held in Creole, but laws are written and shared in English.

Tamil is also widely spoken in Seychelles, mainly by the Indo-Seychellois community, who are an important part of the country's multilingual society.

Religion

Main articles: Religion in Seychelles, Catholic Church in Seychelles, Hinduism in Seychelles, and Islam in Seychelles

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Baie Lazare, Mahé island

Arulmigu Navashakti Vinayakar Temple in Victoria

According to the 2022 census, most Seychellois are Christians: 61.3% were Catholic, looked after by the exempt Diocese of Port Victoria; 5.0% were Anglican; and 8.6% belonged to other Christian groups.

Hinduism is the second largest religion, practiced by more than 5.4% of the population. Hinduism is mainly followed by the Indo-Seychellois community.

Islam is practiced by about 1.6% of the population. Other religions made up 1.1% of the population, while 5.9% were not religious or did not state a religion.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Seychelles

During the time when farms were common, things like cinnamon, vanilla, and copra were the main items the islands sold to other places. After Seychelles became independent in 1976, the amount of goods made per person grew much bigger. Tourism became a big part of the work, with about 30% of people having jobs in this area. Farming and fishing still give work to some people, and factories that process coconuts and vanilla also help.

As of 2013, the main things Seychelles sells to other countries are fish products. The government works to control money problems and has been letting more private companies take over some public services. The money used in Seychelles is called the Seychellois rupee.

Main article: Tourism in Seychelles

In 1971, when the airport opened, tourism grew fast and became a big part of the economy. Hotels started opening, and many people began working in tourism instead of on farms. The government has encouraged foreign companies to help improve hotels and services. Because of COVID-19, Seychelles closed its borders to tourists in 2020 but reopened them in March 2021.

Even though companies looked for oil around the islands, none was found. Seychelles brings in oil from other places for its own use and also sells some to other countries. The company in charge of oil in Seychelles is called Seychelles Petroleum (SEYPEC).

Culture

Art

In 1994, a National Art Gallery opened when the National Cultural Centre began. This center also has the National Library and National Archives. The Minister of Culture said showing art by Seychellois painters and sculptors shows how art is growing in Seychelles. Artists often use the beautiful nature of Seychelles for their paintings and sculptures, using many different materials. There are several art galleries on the islands, including one in the capital, Victoria.

Music

Music and dance are important in Seychelles culture, mixing African, Malagasy, and European styles. Common instruments include drums like the tambour and tam-tam, and string instruments like the violin and guitar. Popular dances include the Sega, with moving hips and feet, and the Moutya, a dance from slavery times that shows strong feelings. Seychelles music includes many influences, such as African rhythms, European dances, and songs in Seychellois Creole, French, and English. In 2021, the Moutya dance was added to a special list of important cultural traditions by UNESCO.

Cuisine

Seychelles meals often include fish, seafood, and shellfish with rice. Fish can be cooked in many ways, like steaming, grilling, or wrapping in banana leaves. Other common foods are coconut, breadfruit, and mangoes. Popular dishes include chicken curry, coconut curry, fish curry, and saffron rice. There is also a special dessert called Ladob, made from ripe plantain and sweet potatoes cooked with coconut milk.

Media

The main daily newspaper is the Seychelles Nation, and there are other papers like Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly and The People. Seychelles has a main television and radio network that broadcasts local news and programs. There are also foreign TV programs and satellite television available.

Sports

Football is very popular in Seychelles. In 2015, Seychelles hosted a beach soccer competition, and in May 2025, it will host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, making it the first time the event is held in Africa.

Women

In Seychelles, mothers often manage family expenses and care for children. It is common for mothers to raise children without married fathers, and laws require fathers to support their children.

LGBT rights

Same-sex relationships have been legal since 2016. Employment discrimination based on sexual orientation is not allowed, making Seychelles one of the few African countries with such protections.

Education

Seychelles has a high rate of people who can read and write. Free education began in 1981 for children aged six to fourteen. There are many schools, including public and private ones, and a university that opened in 2009 to help more people study locally.

Notable people

Main article: List of Seychellois people

Seychelles has many talented people who have made their mark in different fields. Kevin Betsy is a football coach and was once a professional footballer. Sandra Esparon is known for her singing and performances. Sonia Grandcourt and Regina Melanie are both writers. Laurence Norah works as a travel photographer, writer, and blogger. Jean-Marc Volcy is a musician. Dr. Louis Gaston Labat was a physician and a pioneer in regional anesthesia.