Seychelles

Island Nation of Natural Beauty and Blue Economy

Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar, known for its white sandy beaches, coral reefs, granite mountains, and biodiversity-rich marine ecosystems. Despite being Africa’s smallest country in population and area, it is a global leader in sustainability, marine conservation, and high-value tourism.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Uninhabited until the 18th century, Seychelles was colonized by the French and later taken over by the British in 1814.

  • Gained independence on June 29, 1976, becoming a republic within the Commonwealth.

  • Experienced a one-party socialist era until a multi-party system was restored in 1993.

  • Today, Seychelles is politically stable and environmentally proactive.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of Seychelles
Capital Victoria (on Mahé Island)
Continent Africa (Island nation in the Indian Ocean)
Official Languages English, French, Seychellois Creole
Currency Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Area Approx. 459 sq. km
Population Approx. 100,000 (2024 est.)
Time Zone Seychelles Time (UTC+4)
ISO Code SC
Internet TLD .sc
Calling Code +248

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Wavel Ramkalawan
Vice President Ahmed Afif
Government Type Presidential Republic
Legislature National Assembly (unicameral)
Judiciary Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal

Administrative Divisions (Districts)

Seychelles is divided into 27 districts (as of 2024), each with its own local administration. Most districts are located on the three main islands: Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.

Districts on Mahé (Main Island):

  1. Anse Aux Pins

  2. Anse Boileau

  3. Anse Etoile

  4. Anse Royale

  5. Au Cap

  6. Baie Lazare

  7. Baie Sainte Anne (Praslin)

  8. Beau Vallon

  9. Bel Air

  10. Bel Ombre

  11. Cascade

  12. English River

  13. Glacis

  14. Grand Anse Mahé

  15. La Rivière Anglaise

  16. Les Mamelles

  17. Mont Buxton

  18. Mont Fleuri

  19. Plaisance

  20. Pointe La Rue

  21. Roche Caiman

  22. Saint Louis

  23. Takamaka

On Praslin Island:

  1. Grand Anse Praslin

  2. Baie Sainte Anne

On La Digue Island:

  1. La Digue

  2. Inner Islands (includes outer islands administered via La Digue)

Local Government Structure

  • Each district is managed by a District Administrator.

  • The Ministry of Local Government oversees coordination and service delivery.

  • Local governance focuses on community services, infrastructure maintenance, and civic engagement.

Leadership & Governance

  • Seychelles follows a multi-party democratic system.

  • Key governance priorities:

    • Environmental sustainability

    • Digital transformation

    • Blue economy development

    • Education and healthcare

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Maintained by:

    • Seychelles Police Force

    • Seychelles People’s Defence Forces

    • Coast Guard (important for maritime patrol and anti-piracy)

  • Country has one of the lowest crime rates in Africa.

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • 999 – Police/Fire

    • 151 – Ambulance

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Tourism – luxury resorts, eco-tourism

    • Fisheries – tuna exports, artisanal fishing

    • Offshore finance & shipping

    • Blue Economy – sustainable marine use

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 1.5 billion

  • Per capita income: Highest in Sub-Saharan Africa

Education & Institutions

  • Free and compulsory education up to secondary level

  • Major institutions:

    • University of Seychelles

    • Seychelles Institute of Technology

  • Medium of instruction: English and French

Healthcare

  • Universal health coverage with a strong public health system

  • Main hospitals:

    • Seychelles Hospital (Victoria)

    • Praslin Island Hospital

  • High life expectancy (over 73 years), focus on NCDs, maternal health, and wellness

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Seychelles International Airport (Victoria)

    • Regional airstrips on Praslin and other islands

  • Inter-island transport:

    • Ferries (Cat Cocos), domestic flights, private charters

  • Roads:

    • Good condition across main islands; no railway

  • Well-developed internet and mobile coverage

Tourism & Attractions

  • Top destinations:

    • Anse Lazio, Anse Source d’Argent – world-famous beaches

    • Vallée de Mai – UNESCO site, endemic coco de mer palm

    • Aldabra Atoll – world’s second-largest coral atoll

    • Morne Seychellois National Park

  • Activities: snorkeling, diving, hiking, sailing, bird watching

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnically diverse: African, French, Indian, Chinese, Arab heritage

  • Languages: trilingual (Creole, French, English)

  • Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, followed by Anglican and other Christian denominations

  • Cuisine: seafood-based – grilled fish, octopus curry, lentils, rice, tropical fruits

  • National music: moutya, sega, and contemporary fusion

Summary

Seychelles is a tropical paradise that combines eco-conscious luxury, marine biodiversity, cultural richness, and economic stability. As a champion of climate resilience and ocean sustainability, Seychelles continues to shine as one of Africa’s most advanced and inspiring island nations.