| Global Cost of Living Rank |
| CIA Background Information |
A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James MICHEL took over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year term.
| U.S. State Department Description |
Country Description:
The Republic of Seychelles consists of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa. The main islands of this archipelago include Mahe, which is the largest, followed by Praslin and La Digue. The total population is approximately 81,000. The capital, Victoria, is located on Mahe. Read the Department of State Background Notes
on Seychelles for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport, onward/return ticket, the local address where the visitor will stay, and proof of sufficient funds are required. A one-month entry visa may be obtained upon arrival and may be extended for a period of up ... Read this Article
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%.
... Read this Article
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Location: Seychelles is archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar See Map
Capital: name: Victoria
geographic coordinates: 4 38 S, 55 27 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Currency (Code): Seychelles rupee (SCR) ...More
Area: total: 455 sq km , land: 455 sq km , water: 0 sq km ( 1 sq km is approximately 0.4 sq miles or 250 acres)
Area Comparison: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Elevation Extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m , highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m (1 meter = 3.28 feet)
Population: 82,247 (July 2008 est.)
Unemployment: 2% (2006 est.)
Ethnic Groups: mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab
Religion: Roman Catholic 82.3%, Anglican 6.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.1%, other Christian 3.4%, Hindu 2.1%, Muslim 1.1%, other non-Christian 1.5%, unspecified 1.5%, none 0.6% (2002 census)
Languages: Creole 91.8%, English 4.9% (official), other 3.1%, unspecified 0.2% (2002 census)
More Statistics
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| History
The Seychelles islands remained uninhabited for more than 150 years after they became known to Western explorers. The islands appeared on Portuguese charts as early as 1505, although Arabs may have visited them much earlier. In 1742, the French Governor of Mauritius, Mahe de Labourdonais, sent an expedition to the islands. A ... Read this Article
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| Geographic Info for Seychelles : |
Geography
Area: 444 sq. km; about 2.5 times the size of Washington DC.
Major islands: Mahe and Praslin.
Cities: Capital--Victoria.
Terrain: About half of the islands are granitic in origin, with narrow coastal strips and central ranges of hills rising to 905 m. The other half are coral atolls, many uninhabitable.
Climate: Tropical ... Read this Article
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