Seychelles Map

Description:

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Seychelles, officially the Republic of Seychelles, is an archipelagic country consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, located approximately 1,500 kilometers east of mainland Africa. With a population of approximately 130,000 people, it is the smallest sovereign state in Africa by both area and population.

The islands were uninhabited throughout most of recorded history. The first recorded sighting by Europeans took place in 1502 by the Portuguese Admiral Vasco da Gama. The archipelago was named after Jean Moreau de Séchelles, Louis XV's Minister of Finance, in 1756. The British gained control of the islands in 1814, and Seychelles became a crown colony separate from Mauritius in 1903. Independence was granted in 1976.

The nation's economy is primarily based on tourism and fishing. Tourism employs about 30% of the labor force and provides more than 60% of GDP. Seychelles is the most prosperous African country in terms of GDP per capita, with the highest Human Development Index in Africa.

The archipelago consists of two main groups of islands: the granitic islands, including Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, and the outer coralline islands. Mahé, the largest island, hosts the capital city of Victoria and the international airport. Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the rare coco de mer palm and black parrot. Aldabra Atoll, another UNESCO site, is the world's largest raised coral atoll and hosts the largest population of giant tortoises.

Seychelles boasts a unique biodiversity with numerous endemic species. The country's climate is tropical, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 32°C year-round. The islands experience two main seasons: the northwest monsoon from December to March and the southeast trade winds from May to September.

The nation's culture is a blend of French, British, and African influences, reflected in its cuisine, music, and Creole language. Seychellois Creole, French, and English are the country's official languages. The majority of the population is of African descent, with significant minorities of European, Indian, and Chinese origin.

The Facts:
Capital: Victoria.
Area: 176 sq mi (457 sq km).
Population: ~ 130,523 (2024 estimate).

Cities and Towns: Victoria, La Passe, Anse Boileau, Beau Vallon, Takamaka, Grand Anse, Glacis, Anse Etoile, Providence, Au Cap, Anse Royale, Port Glaud, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Anse Kerlan.

Official language: Seychellois Creole, French, English.
Currency: Seychellois rupee (SCR).

Districts of Seychelles: Mahe Islands, Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Au Cap, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand'Anse, English River, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Saint Louis, Takamaka, Les Mamelles, Roche Caïman, Baie Sainte Anne, Grand'Anse Praslin, La Digue and Inner Islands, Outer Islands.

Islands of Seychelles: Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette, Alphonse Island, Anonyme Island, Aride Island, Assumption Island, Astove Island, Aurore Island, Bird Island, Booby Island, Boudeuse Cay, Cachée Island, Cerf Island, Cerf Island, Chauve Souris, Coëtivy, Conception Island, Cousin Island, Cousine Island, Curieuse, D'Arros Island, Denis Island, Desnœufs Island, Desroches, Eden Island, Esprit Island, Étoile Cay, Eve Island, Félicité, Frégate, Goëlettes Island, Grand Terre Island, Grande Polyte, Grande Soeur, L'Islette Island, Long Island, Malabar Island, Mamelles Island, Marianne Island, Marie Louise Island, Menai Island, Michael Island, Moustiques Island, Moyenne Island, North Coconut Island, North Farquhar, North Island, Perseverance Island, Petite Soeur, Picard Island, Platte Island, Poivre Nord, Poivre Sud, Polymnie, Port Island, Providence Island, Rémire Island, Romainville Island, Round Island, Sèche Island, Soleil Island, South, South Coconut Island, South Farquhar, St. François Island, St. Joseph Island, St. Pierre Island, Ste. Anne Island, Thérèse Island, Vache Island, Wizard Island, Wizard Reef.