Country Guide • Seychelles
The Seychelles Archipelago occupies 400,000km² (150,000mile²) of the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar and contains 115 islands and islets. The principal island is Mahe which is mountainous with towering rugged crests, boulders and cliffs, although sandy beaches surround the coastline.
| Official Name | Republic of Seychelles |
|---|---|
| Area | 453km² (175mile²) |
| Population | 80,000 |
| Continent | Africa |
| Population per mile² | 457 |
| Capital City | Victoria |
| Religions | 91% Roman Catholic, 8% Protestant. The remainder are comprised of Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist minorities. |
| Language | English and French (both official), Creole |
| Government | Democratic republic |
| Currency | Seychelles Rupee |
| GDP | $626 million |
| GDP per Head | $7,800 |
| Natural Resources | Fish, copra, cinnamon trees |
| Land Use | Arable Land 2.22% |
| Agriculture | Coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava (tapioca), bananas; broiler chickens; tuna fish |
| Industry | Brewing, Copra and Vanilla Processing, Cigarette Production, Fishing, Tourism |
| Tourism | The Seychelles is an unspoilt tropical paradise. It has a plentiful supply of palm-fringed beaches and its snorkelling and diving is great so no surprise that coral reef diving is possibly the main sporting attraction in the Seychelles. There's also plenty of forested wilderness filled with an abundance of wildlife to explore inland |
| Natural Hazards | Lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; short droughts possible |
| Health Risks | None |
| Climate | The Seychelles has a tropical climate that is influenced by the ocean. The hot season is from October - April and the cool season is from May - September. Average annual rainfall varies from 90 inches along the coast to 120 inches inland at higher elevations. The average temperature is 26°C throughout the year, although temperatures can fall to 16°C at night, at higher elevations |
| Time | GMT/UTC+4 hours |
| National Days | June 5 Liberation Day (Anniversary of 1977 Coup). June 18 National Day. June 19 Corpus Christi. June 29 Independence Day |
| Visas | A valid passport (minimum validity 6 months), onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required. An airport tax of US$40 is payable locally on departure |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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