A scattered group of islands, the country of Seychelles lies in the western Indian Ocean. Seychelles became a popular tourist destination in the late 20th century. With their unspoiled beaches, tropical plant and animal life, and beautiful ocean views, the islands are visited by people from all over the world. Victoria, the capital and only port, is on the largest island, Mahé. Geography - The larger islands of the country of Seychelles are rocky.
Seychelles lies about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) east of the African countries of Kenya and Tanzania. It consists of more than 100 islands that cover an area of only about 176 square miles (455 square kilometers). The islands can be divided into two groups: the Mahé group and the coralline group. The islands of the Mahé group are rocky and mountainous. The highest point in the country, Morne Seychellois at 2,992 feet (912 meters) above sea level, lies in the central mountains of Mahé Island. The coralline islands are made up of elevated coral reefs. They are flat and only a few feet above sea level. Because the coralline islands have no fresh water, very few, if any, people live on them. The climate of Seychelles is tropical. Temperatures are hot and fairly consistent throughout the year. The average temperature in the capital, Victoria, is 80° F (27° C). Rainfall varies among the islands but is heaviest in the mountains. Plants and animalsBecause of their warm climate, the islands are full of tropical trees, flowers, plants, and animals, some of which are very rare. One tree found only in Seychelles is the palm called the coco de mer, or double coconut tree. The nut of the coco de mer looks like two coconuts joined together and can weigh 50 pounds (23 kilograms), making it the largest seed in the world. Among the tropical fruits that grow on the islands are avocados, breadfruit, bananas, mangoes, papaya, and pineapples. The wildlife of Seychelles includes sharks, green sea turtles, giant tortoises, and many types of birds. The government of Seychelles has established several nature preserves and marine parks to protect the islands' rare plants and animals. Among them are the Aldabra Atoll and the Vallée de Mai National Park, both of which were named World Heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Aldabra Atoll is a group of four coral islands that is home to the world's largest population of giant tortoises. Vallée de Mai, on Praslin Island, is known especially for its coco de mer and other palms. People and cultureThe people of Seychelles are called Seychellois. Most of them are Seychellois Creole, which means that their ethnic background is mixed. They are descended from settlers who came to the islands over the years from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Their culture combines influences from these different areas. One example of this cultural mix is the most commonly spoken language, Creole. It includes elements from French, English, and African languages. Roman Catholicism is the main religion. Most Seychellois live on Mahé Island. A great number of them live in the capital city, Victoria. Overall, more than 60 percent of the country's people live in cities or towns. EconomyThe geography of Seychelles has a strong influence on its economy. Because of the country's beautiful natural setting, tourism is a major source of income. The tourist industry grew quickly after an international airport opened on Mahé in 1971. Many Seychellois now work in restaurants, hotels, shops, and other places that appeal to visitors. The vast ocean that surrounds the islands makes fishing another important part of the economy. Tuna, jack, mackerel, and snapper are among the fish caught off the islands. The fish are either sold on the islands or exported to other countries frozen or canned. Because of the rugged land on the main islands, little land is available for agriculture in Seychelles. However, coconuts, cinnamon, bananas, cassava, sweet potatoes, and tea are grown, and pigs, goats, cattle, and chickens are raised. Some cinnamon is exported to other countries, but much food must be imported. The leading manufacturing activity in Seychelles is food processing. Canned tuna is a major product. Soft drinks, beer, fruit juices, and cigarettes are also produced. HistoryExploration and settlementNo one lived on the islands of Seychelles when European explorers first visited them. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is credited with spotting some of the islands in 1502. However, the first recorded landing on the Seychelles was made by the British in 1609. For more than 130 years after that date the islands remained uninhabited. The French reached the islands in 1742 and claimed them in 1756. They named the islands Séchelles after an official in the French government. The first settlers of the islands were French colonists and their African slaves. British colonyIn the late 18th and early 19th centuries control of the islands passed between France and Britain. In 1814 the French formally surrendered the islands to the British, who changed their name to Seychelles. For decades the British considered the islands to be part of their island colony of Mauritius. In 1903, however, Seychelles was separated from Mauritius and made into a separate British colony. In the 1960s the people of Seychelles began to call for independence from Britain. Britain granted the islands self-government in 1975 and independence in 1976. Seychelles became a member of the Commonwealth, a group of countries that kept ties of friendship and cooperation with Britain. One-party socialismTwo political parties had formed in Seychelles during the 1960s. After Seychelles became independent, the two parties agreed to share power. The president belonged to one party and the prime minister to the other. In 1977, however, supporters of Prime Minister France-Albert René took control of the government and made René president. René turned Seychelles into a one-party socialist state. This meant that the government controlled the country's utilities, manufacturing, and businesses. In addition, political parties that opposed the government were banned. DemocracySeveral groups tried to overthrow René's government during the 1980s. They were unsuccessful. During this period, however, other countries began to pressure René to end the strict one-party system. In the early 1990s René agreed to allow more than one political party, to hold elections, and to give ownership of some businesses back to private citizens. René remained president into the 21st century. Population (2001 estimate), 80,600. |